South West Life

Controversy across Bunbury may rise once again with the bare breasted Maidens of Withers explicitly unexposed on 30th of May! 

Local artist, Virginia Cunningham, has taken her antics to a new level when she embellished one of Bunbury’s most controversial public art works with a message of importance. 

What message you ask? The Breast Cancer Foundation of WA's biggest annual fundraiser, Purple Bra Day of course! Taking place on Friday June 18, 2010, this fundraiser has the fundraising target of $250 000 requiring the whole of Western Australia to get behind it! 

Women and men all over WA are being encouraged to register now for a free Purple Bra Fundraising Kit. The purpose for participants is to show they care and are breast aware by wearing a purple bra OVER their clothes and being sponsored to do so. 

“Funnily it’s often the men who are most excited to be involved by strapping on the purple bra and parading around their work place. We’ve had truck drivers, mine site crews, school students, CEOs, hospital staff and lawyers all involved in this fun annual event,” said General Manager Donna Rendell. 

Whilst the event is a bit cheeky and fun, there is a serious underlying need to raise money, with 1 in 9 women affected by the disease. All money that is raised from Purple Bra Day stays in WA, allowing BCFWA to provide personalised practical, financial and emotional support to women and their families in metropolitan and regional WA. 

It is fitting that Cunningham has ‘acted out’ in Bunbury for such an important cause, with her own art work having strong influences of femininity and domesticity. More than 3500 bras will be distributed across the state so if you see someone brave enough to don a purple bra, encourage their efforts by donating to the cause.  

Also don’t miss out on Virginia Cunningham’s very first exhibition Spin City, which is scheduled to open at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries in July. To follow Cunninghams latest cunning stunts you can visit her internet blog at http://grannyguerrilla.blogspot.com/ 

Need more information on how to register for Purple Bra Day?

• Register in person from the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, 64 Wittenoom Street from Tuesday the 1st of June
• Register online at www.breastcancer.org.au, or 
• Phone the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA on 9324 3703

Located in Withers, The Maidens donning the purple bra’s can hold their heads up high knowing that they have been a feature point for a worthwhile cause that will help many residents of the South West receive the assistance they need in a breast cancer journey! 

The City of Bunbury commissioned The Maidens from local artist Russell Sheridan in 2001 to acknowledge The Maidens dune formation in which they watch over.  Sheridan also sculpted the Brother and Sister public art work featured in town on the Victoria Street round about.

Photo courtesy of Naomie Hatherley