Blush Cancer Care: Toowoomba charity responds to ‘inappropriate’ comments by deputy mayor Geoff McDonald

The respected Toowoomba charity whose event was the centre of “inappropriate” comments made by deputy mayor has responded to the incident. Read the statement here.

The chair of Blush Cancer Care has responded to “inappropriate” comments made by deputy mayor Geoff McDonald at its major annual charity event at the weekend.

Mr McDonald was MC at the Blush Ball on Saturday night when he made remarks during the night around women having their breasts checked by the husband of one of the guest speakers — a woman who is a breast cancer survivor.

A number of people, including notable business owners and politicians, came forward both publicly and privately to condemn the comments.

Several other media outlets have covered the incident since it was first reported on Monday by The Chronicle.

Dr Sharyn Donaldson, who is a breast care specialist at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, said the remarks were “inappropriate” and had overshadowed the success of the event.

Dr Sharyn Donaldson. Picture: LucyRC Photography

“As the chairperson of an organisation that works hard to support women and men with breast cancer and their families, I’d like to personally assure you that our charity did not authorise and does not condone the comments made by the MC on the night,” she said in a statement.

“The comments were inappropriate and we are concerned about the impact that these unscripted words have had on our valued supporters and the broader community.

“We are extremely disappointed that the comments, and the associated commentary, have overshadowed what was otherwise an incredibly empowering, encouraging, uplifting and heartfelt evening, filled with emotion, vulnerability and support.

“We welcome any direct feedback as to how we can improve as an organisation and would like to thank those who have reached out to express their concern, and also their support for Blush, in recent days.”

Dr Donaldson also highlighted the success of Blush Cancer Care over the past 12 months, which had culminated with the ball at the weekend.

“I would, however, like to take this opportunity to focus on what was at the heart of the Blush Ball – passionate volunteers, many of whom are survivors themselves, dedicated to raising funds to support patients and raise awareness about breast cancer,” she wrote.

“Attendees at the Blush Ball heard from three very courageous women who shared their stories, inspired the crowd, and embodied the true purpose of the event.

“The best way to honour them is to carry their positivity and contribution into the conversation.

“I ask that the privacy of those women and others associated with our charity be respected.”

Read the original story and Mr McDonald’s responses below:

Cr Geoff McDonald. Picture: Nev Madsen.

DEPUTY MAYOR ACCUSED OF ‘SEXIST’ COMMENTS

Toowoomba deputy mayor Geoff McDonald has apologised for comments he made at a charity event after they were called out by a number of prominent residents and groups as “sexist, demeaning and belittling”.

Mr McDonald made the comments at Saturday night’s Blush Ball, which was raising money for Toowoomba charity Blush Cancer Care.

In the statements, which were confirmed by multiple people in the room, Mr McDonald suggested women in attendance could get their breasts checked in the room by the partner of one of the guest speakers, including inside a cubby house which was being auctioned off at the event.

Mr McDonald, whose wife is involved with the charity organisation, alleged the comments were made in support of using both women and men to get their breasts checked regularly.

“I apologise if there was anyone offended by the comment, but I make no apology about urging women and men to get their breasts checked,” he said.

“Whoever has put this in, they need to go to the prostate lunch and listen to the comments there.

“I thank the people for bringing it forward.”

Sharne Lategan

But lawyer and co-director of Enterprise Legal Sharne Lategan, who heard the comments, on Monday said they were “demeaning and totally inappropriate”.

“Instead of using his position and role as MC for such a worthy cause as the privilege it is, Geoff instead chose to make two separate statements under the guise of ‘humour’ that can only be classified as sexist, demeaning and totally inappropriate,” she said in a statement.

“Geoff chose on two occasions to minimise, to patronise and to foster the stereotypes, behaviours and attitudes that have no place at such a beautiful event.”

Mr McDonald rejected that his comments were sexist, but said “if that has meant that to those persons, I apologise”.

“It was to build on the emotive message of a young woman who has been diagnosed with cancer (in her early 20s),” he added.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Kate Venables.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Kate Venables sent a statement to members on Tuesday morning also addressing the incident.

“The Toowoomba Chamber wants to make it clear that we consider behaviour that is belittling and sexist as personally inappropriate and bad for business,” she said.

“We understand that inappropriate actions and commentary that go unchallenged, increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and the overall wellbeing of individuals, organisations and wider society.

“In 2022, we are aware that these behaviours directly impact on business profit, through reputation loss and the inability to attract and retain staff.”

Cr Rebecca Vonhoff.

Mr McDonald’s colleague at the Toowoomba Regional Council Rebecca Vonhoff, who was also at the event, said the comments were inappropriate.

“Breast checks are health procedures. There’s nothing sexual about them,” she said.

“Having had to have one last week, I know the radiographers, surgeons and so on who do them are professionals who perform them in medical settings – not cubby houses by people who aren’t highly trained.”

Other people in attendance, who declined to speak on the record, confirmed the comments were made but stopped short of saying they were offensive.