FROCK OVARIAN CANCER, WITH THE LAUNCH OF ANNUAL FROCKTOBER FUNDRAISER 

Australia’s most fashionable month-long fundraiser, Frocktober, makes its highly anticipated return this October to raise vital funds for ovarian cancer research. 

Pictured above: OCRF Ambassadors Amelia Higgs and Glenda Hill-Baulch

Australia’s most fashionable month-long fundraiser makes its highly anticipated return this October to raise vital funds for ovarian cancer research. 

Since its establishment in 2007, Frocktober has raised more than $6 million to support vital research to improve outcomes for Australia’s most lethal gynaecological cancer. 

Lead by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), Frocktober encourages Australians to “frock ovarian cancer” through fun, fashionable, and fabulous community fundraising activities and social media challenges. 

The initiative was first established by a group of courageous Geelong women who decided to pull out their best frocks to support their own friend battling ovarian cancer. Since then, Frocktober has catapulted into a national fundraiser that garners support from all around Australia and this year it’s got a whole new look of its own, befitting its profile the year’s most fashionable fundraiser. 

From frocktail parties, to frocking up for a long lunch with friends, there are endless ways to get involved in 2024. The Frocktober campaign celebrates inclusivity, creativity and flexibility, encouraging participants to frock their way. Hard core frockers might take on the ultimate fashion challenge and don 31 frocks in 31 days, while those new to Frocktober festivities may simply purchase some merchandise or take on the new ‘One Off Frock Challenge’, and frock up for just one day, make a donation and nominate friends or family do to the same. Everyone can ‘frock ovarian cancer’. 

Ovarian cancer takes the life of one Australian woman every eight hours. There is currently no early detection test, meaning most diagnoses are made in the advanced stages where survival rates languish at just 29 per cent and treatment options have barely improved in decades. Despite being a notoriously deadly disease, ovarian cancer research is critically underfunded compared to other cancers. 

Fundraisers like Frocktober are pivotal in helping raise funds and awareness across the nation for much needed research that can save the lives and improve treatment options for countless women and girls. 

The 2024 new refreshed campaign look was developed and executed in partnership with Silver Lining Agency. The campaign is amplified nationally across radio, print, digital and billboards ads, thanks to the generous low-bono support from ongoing media partners of the OCRF, Nova, Ooh! Media and frankie magazine.

This year’s campaign stars inspiring OCRF ambassadors Glenda Hill-Baulch and Amelia Higgs, alongside leading Australian fashion designer and stylist, Lana Wilkinson. Behind the camera was fashion and street-style photographer extraordinaire, Dan Castano, with talent styled by celebrity stylist Paul Versace.

Primary school teacher and mother-of-three, Glenda Hill-Baulch, is an ovarian cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2017. Glenda says she is passionate about sharing her story to inspire hope and raise awareness. 

"As a Frocktober ambassador, I am advocating for brighter realities and better futures for the thousands of women across Australia affected by this awful disease. It is crucial that we find an early detection test, educate people about the symptoms to watch out for, get better treatments and empower women to trust their instincts, listen to their bodies, and speak up when they know something isn’t right,” Glenda said. 

Of her involvement, Lana Wilkinson said: “It is an absolute honour to be part of a campaign which combines all my greatest passions. Frocktober is the embodiment of fashion, fun and freedom of expression, and uses these as powerful forces for female empowerment, fundraising and advocacy for women’s health.” 

Last year’s Frockers raised over $1.1 million dollars, and OCRF CEO Robin Penty says they are determined build on this figure in 2024. 

“At its core, Frocktober is a community-led fundraiser that sparks conversations amongst friends, families and colleagues about the harsh realities of ovarian cancer. Each year we are blown away by the spirit and generosity of people across the country who frock up and turn the everyday act of choosing an outfit into a powerful statement. We encourage anyone who wants to put their most stylish foot forward this month to rally their community to support ovarian cancer research”, says Penty. 

For more information on this month-long campaign and ways to get involved, visit the Frocktober website. 

Download the full 2024 press release here.