Walking for Wellness: A Beautiful Day in Melbourne for a Beautiful Cause
Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Curves & the Olivia Newton-John Centre
This October, Curves clubs across the globe have come together once again to raise awareness, support, and funds for breast cancer research and holistic wellness. Through our partnership with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre in Melbourne and the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund in the United States, we are not just lifting weights-we are lifting spirits.
At the heart of our Breast Cancer Awareness campaign is a message that transcends fitness:
Strength is more than physical.
It’s emotional.
It’s communal.
It’s deeply personal.
And nowhere was that more evident than in Melbourne, where we kicked off the month with our Walk for Wellness-a vibrant, soul-nourishing event that brought together Curves members, franchisees, staff, families, and the broader community in a powerful show of solidarity. Our CEO and President, Kim McQueen, told us how this amazing event unfolded.
A Morning Filled With Purpose And Pink Skies
The day began before the sun had even peeked above the horizon. As the Curves team arrived early to set up our tent, the sky lit up in brilliant pinks and oranges-a quiet but powerful symbol of hope. There was excitement in the air, but also a sense of reverence. We knew this day was about more than steps walked or dollars raised. It was about honouring lives, remembering those we’ve lost, and celebrating those still fighting.
Our members and owners began to arrive one by one, many dressed in pink or purple, holding hands with their sisters, daughters, and friends. Some were survivors. Some were walking for loved ones. All were united by a common cause.
The event was organised into stages, with runners launching first for their 5K races, followed by the walkers. The energy was electric. You could feel it-this wasn’t just a walk. It was a movement.
Warm-ups With Heart: Xanadu And Community
Curves Australia Country Manager, Glenda Hill, took to the stage with a group of our vibrant owners to lead the warm-ups. One of the most memorable moments? A joyful routine set to Xanadu—a heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John that got hundreds of attendees dancing and smiling.
Laughter, movement, and music filled the air as participants stretched, moved, and connected. For many, it was their first Curves experience-and what a welcome it was.
“It was one of the biggest turnouts they’ve had in years,” Glenda shared. “To see our Curves community up on stage, guiding everyone, was just magical.”
The warm-up wasn’t just about preparing the body-it was about igniting the spirit. And that spirit carried through the entire day.
The Energy, The Weather, The Why
We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Mild temperatures hovered around 20–22°C (that’s about 70°F for our friends in the U.S.), the sky stayed clear, and the breeze kept us refreshed. It was the kind of day that just felt meant to be-and as if by divine timing, the first raindrop didn’t fall until the final moments, right as the event came to a close.
Throughout the day, thousands participated. Families picnicked under the trees. Friends reunited. Vendors offered nourishing food and warm drinks. Children played. Music floated through the park like a gentle rhythm of celebration and remembrance.
“It felt like a festival,” said one participant. “But with a deeper purpose. You could feel the love in the air.”
The Bras of Hope: Sparking Conversations
One of the most talked-about features of the day was our Bras of Hope display-entries from the Bra Decorating Contest that had been mailed in by Curves clubs across Australia and New Zealand. These weren’t just bras. They were bold, beautiful, and deeply personal tributes.
“Each bra told a story,” said one attendee. “Some were funny, some were heartbreaking, all were powerful.”
People stopped. They lingered. They asked questions. Some shed tears. Many shared their own experiences. And that’s the magic of this campaign-it opens hearts and invites healing conversations.
The response was so overwhelming that Curves CEO and Preseident Kim McQueen shared her intention to turn these creations into something lasting-perhaps a photo book that captures the courage, creativity, and community behind each design.
Where We Stand (And How Far We’ve Come)
Last year, Curves Australia raised between $30,000–$35,000 AUD for the ONJ Centre. This year, our target was $60,000-and we’re thrilled to share that as of now, we’ve raised $53,000 AUD, with two clubs alone contributing over $10,000 each.
But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about what those dollars mean:
- Access to integrative therapies for women navigating cancer treatment
- Support for plant-based medicine research
- Expansion of the ONJ Centre’s healing programs
- Continuing Olivia’s legacy of compassion and care
A Legancy That Continues To Bloom
Olivia Newton-John’s dream wasn’t just to treat cancer-it was to transform the experience of those going through it. The ONJ Centre in Melbourne is a testament to that vision. Housed in a historic building, the Centre offers a holistic approach to healing with services like:
- Massage therapy
- Nutrition and wellness support
- Sound and energy healing
- A peaceful garden sanctuary where patients can reflect and reconnect
It is a place of hope, beauty, and heart. And Olivia would be proud to know her light continues to shine through the community she helped create.
“This walk reminded us of her vision,” said Kim. “It reminded us why we show up-not just in October, but all year long.”
A Special Visit: John Easterling
Adding to the magic of the weekend was a surprise visit from John Easterling, Olivia’s beloved husband. The day before the walk, he visited our Curves group and delivered a heartfelt message of thanks and encouragement.
His presence was deeply moving for the team-many of whom have been inspired by Olivia for decades.
“Having John there really brought it full circle,” Glenda said. “It was like Olivia was there in spirit, cheering us on.”
What Comes Next
This is just the beginning. October is still going strong, and there are plenty of ways to get involved. Here’s how:
Curves Club members:
- Donate at your local Curves club
- Purchase the limited-edition Olivia Bracelet (crafted from amethyst & chrysoprase)
- Submit your design in the Bra Decorating Contest (U.S. & Canada entries still open!)
- Share this blog with your friends or community
- Reflect, honour, or give back in your own unique way
Non Club Members:
- Donate to the foundation or the research centre
- Share this blog with your friends or community
- Reflect, honour, or give back in your own unique way
Every action matters. Every story counts. Every dollar brings us closer to a world where women feel seen, supported, and strong.
Final Thoughts From Kim
“There’s nothing that beats a strong woman inside a Curves club,” Kim said. “Strength is more than physical. It’s emotional. It’s communal. And it’s at the core of who we are as a sisterhood.”
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Thank you for helping us walk, lift, donate, and connect.
Let’s finish strong, Curves family.
