Helping women face breast cancer with confidence

Founded in 2010 by two-time breast cancer survivor Irene Hendel OAM and her husband David, the Living Centre was created as a welcoming, non-clinical sanctuary where patients and their loved ones can access free emotional, physical, and practical support. From counselling and support groups to massage, education, and social connection, the Living Centre helps clients manage the many challenges of breast cancer beyond medical treatment.

In early August, Monash Gully District Freemasons, SEAVIC Lodge Freemasons, and Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV) staff and directors visited the Think Pink Living Centre in Docklands to learn more about the incredible support it provides to women and families navigating breast cancer. Their visit reinforced FFV’s and Monash Gully District's long-standing commitment to Think Pink. During the visit, they toured the Living Centre’s facilities, including the Centre’s Wig Salon, which has benefited from a $15,000 donation from FFV and the Monash Gully District Lodges.

Hair loss is one of the most visible and distressing side effects of treatment, often affecting confidence, relationships, and emotional well-being. Yet wigs come at a high cost – with synthetic wigs averaging $300–$400 and human hair wigs often exceeding $2,000. At the same time, women with breast cancer face staggering out-of-pocket expenses, averaging more than $28,000 in their first year alone. For many, a wig is simply unaffordable.

The Living Centre currently provides around five free wigs each month – more than 70 every year – and demand for this service continues to grow. Each woman receives a personal fitting and support to help her feel more comfortable, confident, and able to face her treatment and everyday life with dignity.

This latest donation builds on over a decade of partnership between FFV, local Lodges, and Think Pink, with more than $900,000 contributed since 2010 to ensure women and their families never face breast cancer alone.