Tickled pink summed up the reaction of Rio Tinto and the Kokoda Chicks when DPSA Engineering in Mackay handed over a giant truck body - painted rose pink in aid of breast cancer research.

The truck body - refurbished and painted pink for Blair Athol Mine near Clermont in Central Queensland - united Rio Tinto, DPSA Engineering and paint supply company Transcote in support of the cause.
   
The project was the idea of six women from Clermont, including three who work at Blair Athol Mine, who will join eight other “Kokoda Chicks” from around Australia on a gruelling 10 day trek along the Kokoda Trail in late-October 2008. Their trek is aimed at raising money and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Each of the Kokoda Chicks has committed to raising $5,000 to further research into a disease which claims thousands of lives each year.

At the handover on October 3, DPSA Group CEO Neill Clur, on behalf of DPSA Engineering, presented a cheque for $2,000 to Kokoda Chicks representative Candice McDonald, who is Blair Athol Mine maintenance technical officer.

"DPSA Engineering, and especially managers Mick Daly and Bill Johnson have been great supporters of the project - I think everyone was impressed with the fantastic job that was done on this refurbishment and unusual paint job," said Neill.

Blair Athol Mine general manager operations Andrew Cole said one of the women’s workmates first suggested painting the Caterpillar 789B haul truck body pink, to celebrate the women’s achievements.

“Everyone at our mine has been impressed with the effort and determination of the Kokoda Chicks and they wanted to be loud and proud about their support.

“There would be few people in our local community who have not been touched by breast cancer, or who do not know a family who have been affected.

“We wanted to support the fundraising efforts of the Kokoda Chicks in a practical way, and, by repainting this truck, make a visual statement about how important their efforts are.”

DPSA Engineering's Bill Johnson said: “It’s a big job overhauling and painting a truck like this. We used 80 litres of uncercoat and 60 litres of Rose Pink, but it’s nothing like the effort these women have put in."

Candice said: “Each of us from Clermont has been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer.”

“Two of us have our mothers coming along on the trek, so it will be a real show of female strength and solidarity; the perfect chance to remember the women who have died from this terrible disease,” Ms McDonald said.

“After we return from the trek, this truck is going to be a reminder of the importance of working together to beat this disease.”

She thanked Rio Tinto, DPSA Engineering and Transcote - which donated the pink paint - for all the support.