Tamworth JobLinks Plus holds fundraiser for Uplift Project with Tony Windsor

Feather boas, fluro stilettos and brassieres were the uniform of the day, to raise funds for the Uplift Project.

The charity collects new and secondhand bras for disadvantaged women in the Pacific Island nations.

JobLinks Plus executive manager Emily Roy said the project gives dignity and support to women in need.

“We know through years of research that having support in that area reduces your risk of cancer and developing tumors – it’s about dignity,” she said.

“Whether you live in Tonga or Tamworth the dignity that comes from an item that’s not only functional but pretty helps you feel connected to who you are as a woman.”

Staff at JobLinks Plus hit the phones on Wednesday to call businesses for donations, and matched every contribution dollar for dollar.

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Tony Windsor even popped in to the Priscilla Queen of the Desert themed event wearing a feather boa to flip some burgers at the sausage sizzle.

Asked to talk about his outfit, he said, “I’d rather not”.

“But, we’ve got to get the product to the people and with the business community going dollar for dollar we can make it happen,” he said.

“Everybody can help, it’s a very worthwhile proposal to get behind.”

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The team raised money to ship the bras to Pacific Island nations, at a cost of $5000 per container.

So far, the Uplift Project has at least five containers full of brassieres.

Since 2005 the charity has sent more than 1 million bras to women in need, often the Uplift bra they receive will be the only bra they own.