The competition aims to raise awareness by getting the community involved in something different and creative while recognising a disease that affects one in eight women in NSW.

Health promotion officer Sarah Little said the Bling a Bra competition symbolised doing something practical to celebrate the lives of women who have been touched by breast cancer, while remembering to look after ourselves.

“While women aged between 50 and 74 are recommended to have a mammogram every two years, all women are reminded to be breast aware and regularly check for changes or unusual symptoms that may arise,” she said.

“Early detection is the key; by picking up breast cancer early, women have a higher chance of survival.”

Bling a Bra in October involves decorating bras with a range of creative and colourful embellishments and, while it is a competition, the key message is one of fun and awareness.

The competition is being run in the Shoalhaven for the first time and people who want to get involved can visit one of the workshops being run in the region or choose to host their own workshop.

Workshops will be held on Thursdays between 10am and 12.30pm at Shoalhaven Women Health Centre, Wednesdays from 9am until 12.30pm at East Nowra Neighbourhood Centre, Fridays at Waminda and anytime at Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre.

Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital ward clerk Wendy Purcill and her friends from the Shoalhaven Rock ‘n’ Roll Social Club are planning to bling their bras at a workshop this Saturday, September 20 at St Georges Basin Country Club between 12noon and 4pm.

“I work in an environment that brings me in touch with breast cancer patients and I am  also a member of the Shoalhaven Rock and Roll Club,” Wendy said.

“I’m taking this opportunity to Bling a Bra to promote BreastScreen with my friends at the Rock and Roll Club.”

The competition will be run throughout September and October and winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a free Showcase morning tea on Friday, October 17 at Nowra School of Arts on Berry Street.

Reservations are essential and can be made online at http://shoalhavenblingabra.eventbrite.com.au or by contacting Sarah Little on 9113 1029.

To attend a workshop phone the individual centres.

For inquiries or to organise your own workshop contact Vivienne Kish on 4424 6384.

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra BreastScreen Service is a free screening mammography service whose aim is to detect breast cancer early before it has a chance to spread.

Early detection of cancer increases treatment options available and improves the chance of survival from the disease.

To book an appointment call 13 20 50.