How a local coffee chat sparked the Tigers’ biggest Ladies Day yet
The Queanbeyan Tigers have always known how to throw a Ladies Day, but this year, the club is trading its traditional yellow and black for a much more meaningful shade of pink.
This Saturday 23 May, the club will host the first ever Ciao Cafe Pink Ladies Day during their clash against Tuggeranong Valley. While the Tigers are famous for their fierce on-field competitive streak, this initiative is about a different kind of impact.
“There was this real desire from our board and our social committee to increase the impact of the club on the community,” Tigers General Manager Kane Cawse says.
“We’ve always held a Ladies’ Day that’s been a big hit, so thought that we could use this platform to help those who need it.”
Grace, Connie Zarb and Damien Hick from Ciao were on board from the word go.
The idea sparked over a coffee with local favourites Damo and Connie from Ciao, who jumped on board as naming rights sponsors and catering partners.
“Buying a ticket $55 on Saturday will get you into the game and up to the Growler Deck where you’ll be served drinks and finger food by the amazing Ciao team,” Kane says.
“And there’s a Past Players function on for our former women players as well, so we’d love to see as many women there as possible.”
The day is a dedicated fundraiser for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), an organisation that ensures Australians affected by breast cancer receive the best possible care and support. For the Tigers, the decision to partner with the ‘Play4BCNA’ initiative was a simple one.
Women’s first grade players Anita Manning and Emily Vosnakes (with coaches Tim Hull, left, and Josh “Barry” Hall) are pumped to wear pink this weekend.
“We chose this foundation because so many people in our community and the nation are impacted by cancer every year,” Kane says.
“By partnering with BCNA our Pink Ladies Day becomes more than an event; it becomes a meaningful opportunity to raise funds and awareness, honour the individuals and families impacted by breast cancer, and support the ongoing work that BCNA does to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Spectators can expect to see a literal “sea of pink” across the grounds.
“All players and volunteers will be wearing pink polos, players will be wearing pink socks, and during our first-grade games a pink ball will be used during the game,” Kane notes.
Even the visiting Tuggeranong side will be getting involved, with a gold coin donation for entry going toward the cause.
Tigers GM Kane Cawse.
While the club already supports vital causes like the Crusade for Connor, this marks the first time their signature Ladies Day has been transformed into such a major fundraising platform.
“It allows us to use sport to bring the community together, raise funds, and decorate the day with pink to support all Australians affected by breast cancer.”
Pink shirts for the day have been donated by Campbell & George, and raffle prizes donated by Club Lime, Canberra Trophy Centre, The Southern Pub Phillip and City Florist.
The details
What: Ciao Cafe Pink Ladies Day
When: Saturday 23 May 2026
Where: Patches Asphalt Park, in the confines of Margaret Donohoe Sports Complex
Tickets: $55 and can be purchased up on the Growler Deck (includes game entry, Growler Deck access, drinks and Ciao catering).
Donate: Support the Tigers’ fundraising page here
About the Author: Briony Winchester
Part bogan, part wannabe plus-size model and part journalist, Bree's the woman behind Q! News. A born storyteller, she's been writing locally, nationally and internationally for more than 30 years.
