Why we turn the country purple
Throughout November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, locations across every state will glow purple for pancreatic cancer. From major city skylines, iconic landmarks and local neighbourhoods, these light-ups shine a spotlight on Australia’s toughest cancer and the people it affects every day.
This month we’re lighting cities across Australia purple to raise greater awareness of pancreatic cancer and to advocate for better outcomes at a national level, for people facing pancreatic cancer and their families. We want to start a conversation about the signs and symptoms and the importance of early detection, to draw more attention to the disease which affects thousands of Australians every year.
- Pankind CEO, Michelle Stewart
Flinders Street Station, Melbourne glows purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
A united effort
Led by the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, this collective effort brings together Pankind and organisations across the country to act as one. By standing together, we show the strength of collaboration and deliver a clear message: pancreatic cancer can no longer remain in the shadows.
Pankind is also proud to stand with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, a network of more than 99 organisations across 40 countries and six continents. Together, we are uniting to shine a light on pancreatic cancer, to make early detection a global priority, and to push for a fairer fight for every person affected.
Story Bridge Brisbane glows purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
What the lights mean
Lighting the nation purple is not about spectacle. It’s about solidarity. Each light is a tribute to those we’ve lost, a sign of support for people living with the disease, and a reminder of the urgent need for earlier detection and better outcomes.
Lighting the landmarks is only part of the journey, people can see the lights and think, 'Oh, something's lit up' and not realise what it's about. Even if only one person sees this, and it prompts them to do something, that's a good result, if it turns out that they've caught something early.
- Pankind Ambassador, Judi Adams
Will you help us turn Australia purple?
The lights make the message visible, but it’s people who carry it forward. Share your photos of the purple landmarks, start conversations, and help spread the word. Use the following hashtags and join the movement: #WorldPancreaticCancerMonth #LightItPurpleAUS #EarlyDetectionMatters
For updates and highlights from the light-ups, follow us on social media in the lead-up to and throughout World Pancreatic Cancer Month.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pankind_australia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanKindFoundation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pankind/
X: https://x.com/Pankind_Aus
Explore the map below to see what locations across Australia are lighting purple this November.
Australian Pancreatic Cancer Alliance
