Monique Dews and Jo Hayes Girls' Night In Interview

Monique Dews and Jo Hayes Girls' Night In Interview

Australian women are being encouraged to host a Girls' Night In during October to raise money to help support the estimated 20,000 women who will be diagnosed with a breast or gynaecological cancer this year.

Thousands of women across the country are expected to attend or host a Girls' Night In during the month of October – with events ranging from as large as 50 to as small as five.

Hosting a Girls' Night In usually costs a fraction of the price of going out and Cancer Council encourages ladies to donate the money they save to help those affected by cancer. The money raised will help fund Cancer Council's cancer research, prevention programs and support services.

Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Sanchia Aranda, said Cancer Council's Girls' Night In events are about having fun and raising vital funds, but also provide an opportunity to facilitate powerful conversations to raise awareness about women's cancers.

'Thanks to advances in cancer research, early detection and prevention we have seen some great progress in women's cancers. For instance, the five year survival rate for breast cancer increased by 18 percent from 1983 to 2012. Survival for early breast cancer now sits around 95%, but is much less for ovarian cancer. There is still so much more work to do, especially in early detection and in supporting women during and after a diagnosis.

"Getting together at home with your girlfriends to support women's cancers is not only about fundraising – it's also a good chance to remind the important women in your life of all the things what they can do to make sure we are on top of our health – like making sure we tick that overdue pap test or mammogram off the to-do list.

'It's also an opportunity for us to share tips and ideas for supporting the ones we love who are impacted by cancer. When a friend is diagnosed with cancer it can be hard to know what to do or say – but female friendships are a powerful thing and there are simple things you can do to show to show a friend you are there for her."

Actress and TV personality Lynne McGranger said she was proud to be supporting Girls' Night In again this year.

'Around 50 Australians a day are diagnosed with a breast or gynaecological cancer. Girls' Night In is all about thinking creatively about how to host a memorable night in, while also making a positive change for those impacted by women's cancers. Simple ideas that you can make your own often work the best."

Hosts can register their event at girlsnightin.com.au to receive a free host kit or call 1300 65 65 85 for more information.

Breast and Gynaecological Cancer Facts
Over 50 Australian women a day are told they have a breast or gynaecological cancer.
Types of gynaecological cancers include cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulva and uterine.
Sadly, around 12 Australian women will die from women's cancers each day.
Thanks to advances in cancer research, early detection and prevention, the five year survival rate for breast cancer increased by 18 percent from 1983 to 2012.
The five year survival rate for gynaecological cancers has improved by 8 percent from 1983 to 2012.

Girls' Night In Official Partners:

Woolworths
Century 21
Curves
New Balance
W Lane

For more information
girlsnightin.com.au
1300 65 65 85
#ourgirlsnightin

Australians can also show their support for Cancer Council in October by supporting Pink Ribbon Day. This year the Pink Ribbon Day merchandise range includes an enamel pin ($5) and pens ($6). Items from the Pink Ribbon Day range can be purchased on Pink Ribbon Day at stalls near local shopping areas, train and bus stations and other major locations. Pink Ribbon Day events can also be hosted in October. Visit pinkribbon.com.au for key dates and further information.

Interview with Monique Dews and Jo Hayes

Monique Dews is a journalist, newsreader, presenter, and host, currently working with the Robin Terry and Bob Breakfast show on 97.3FM Brisbane.

Monique worked as News Director of the DMG radio network newsroom in Sydney for ten years, and has trained radio newcomers in FM News style, at the Australia Film and Radio School.

As the mum of two children with severe allergies to tree nuts and wheat, she is an advocate for fresh, allergen free unprocessed foods. Monique loves wholefoods and baking, and likes to use unconventional ingredients for a healthy twist to family favourites.

Jo Hayes is a radio newsreader and journalist for 4KQ Classic Hits in Brisbane.

'As a former Speech Pathologist and allied-health professional, I'm passionate about health and wellbeing. I'm committed to raising funds and awareness to help in the fight against cancer.

'I'm also a keen baker, and love putting a healthy twist on traditional sweet treats. I can't wait to be part of Girls' Night In again this year!"


Question: What is Cancer Council's Girls' Night In?

Monique Dews and Jo Hayes: Australian women are being encouraged to host a Girls' Night In during October to raise money to help support the estimated 20,000 women who will be diagnosed with a breast or gynaecological cancer this year.

Thousands of women across the country are expected to attend or host a Girls' Night In during the month of October – with events ranging from as large as 50 to as small as five.

Hosting a Girls' Night In usually costs a fraction of the price of going out and Cancer Council encourages ladies to donate the money they save to help those affected by cancer. The money raised will help fund Cancer Council's cancer research, prevention programs and support services.

For more information and to register for a free host kit, visit: girlsnightin.com.au

Share your photos on social media #ourgirlsnightin


Question: Why did you decide to participate in Cancer Council's Girls' Night In?

Monique Dews and Jo Hayes: We are showing our support for Girls' Night In once again this year because it's such a great fundraiser for Cancer Council. The events bring together friends and family to raise money for Cancer Council and gives women a chance to find out more about breast and gynaecological cancers. Girls' Night In events harness the power of female friendships.


Question: What are you doing for your Girls' Night In?

Monique Dews and Jo Hayes: This year we are going to be hosting a 'Girls' Night In …. Your active wear!" We're inviting a bunch of friends for a walk following by a twilight picnic on the river.

Question: What tips do you have for Australian's running their own Cancer Council's Girls' Night In?

Monique Dews and Jo Hayes: Hosting a Girls' Night In is so much fun! Here are a few little tips from us:

Choose a theme that you love – it could be a dinner party, a clothes swap or even something active like a Pilates class.
Get help – is one of your girlfriends really creative? See if she can help with decorations. Another a really good cook? Ask if she minds bringing a few dishes to your event. Most people are very keen to contribute to the night, you just have to ask!
Set up your online fundraising page – that will make it easy for people to donate before your event and they can make a donation even if they can't make it on the night.


Question: What is your 2016 Cancer Council's Girls' Night In goal?

Monique Dews and Jo Hayes: Our goal this year is to help spread the word about Girls' Night In and encourage as many women across Australia as possible to host their own event. It really is very easy – your Girls' Night In can be as big or small as you choose. It's all about having fun with your best gal pals which could be any event, big or small.


Question: Can you tell us about a typical day, in the life of you?

Jo Hayes: I get up before dawn, 5 days a week! I start work at 4.30am (yes, early!) … but the upside is that I'm finished by lunchtime. I'm a journalist and newsreader so my workday involves reading the morning news bulletins for 4KQ, interviewing politicians and drinking coffee! Outside work, I'm often found in the kitchen, baking something sweet or going for runs along the river at Southbank. I try to be in bed by 8.30 on weeknights (it often doesn't happen!).

Monique Dews: I get up before dawn too, and start work before 5am each work day, at 973 FM Brisbane. I read half hourly bulletins across the day and leave around midday. After my 5.30 bulletin, it's always time for a big cup of coffee (double strength, no sugar) and a protein packed nut bar to get me going!

After work, its home for a quick spot of down time before I'm off to school to grab my two kids Orlando and Cleo, and ferry them to all their activities. Dance classes, tutors, appointments. It's super busy. Then home for homework and dinner. I rarely get to watch much TV but I love discovering new series on Netflix. I just recently watched 'Stranger Things" and was blown away by its retro quirkiness. I love the 80s!


Interview by Brooke Hunter