IN 2000, when early childhood educators gathered in Narrabundah for regular staff meetings, and payslips came on a piece of paper, a team called the Bold Bandannas was created and it’s never stopped since. 

Team captain, Rosemary Drabsch, says down the bottom of her payslip was a call from the Cancer Council, asking for people to form a team and join Relay For Life.

“I stood up in front of the staff meeting and said I had read this call, and 12 people raised their hands to join in, too,” says Rosemary, 75.

“In 2000, we raised $1600, which wasn’t bad for a few weeks of fundraising.”

In preparation for their second relay, the team decided to wear trousers made from bandannas, which were “quite bold”, along with their brightly coloured wigs, the name the “Bold Bandannas” was confirmed.

“A member from our team made a banner, and it’s all made out of bandannas, and we get every team member who has walked in Relay with us since we started to sign it. Then, at Relay we hold it and walk. If we go somewhere we put it up,” Rosemary says.

“We have grown from a humble beginning to something quite impressive.

In the lead up to Relay For Life 2023, the Bold Bandannas raised $77,293.

“In 2004, we won for being the highest fundraisers with only $9870. I was a bit embarrassed to think that was the highest amount, so then we started being a bit more serious,” she says.

Rosemary says once she makes a commitment to something, she gives it her all, and she especially loves a challenge.

“It’s all about how many people we can help with the money we raise, and the more money we raise the more people we can help, so that is the challenge. In most years we’ve raised more than we did the year prior,” she says.

“My grandmother had cancer, I’ve lost a couple of cousins to cancer. I don’t think there is anybody who can say they haven’t been touched personally, or through family, work colleagues, neighbours or friends. Everybody knows at least one person who has had cancer, and if it’s only one they are pretty lucky. I guess I’m lucky, I haven’t personally been touched.”

Since their beginning, the Bold Bandannas have raised $604,500 through their fundraising and market stalls.

“We don’t take out any costs for things we cook or sew to sell,” she says.

“Many things are donated by friends, work colleagues, and knitting groups, as well as individuals, and supplies are coming from all over Canberra due to the exposure we receive from market stalls, radio stations and in the local free papers – thank you, ‘CityNews’.”

Every three weeks, the Bold Bandannas alternate between stalls at Belconnen Fresh Food Markets and Ziggy’s Fyshwick.

“We sell homemade or handcrafted jams, pickles, chutney, relish, lemon butters and we also have a sugar-reduced line for those who are diabetic or who are watching their sugar intake,” she says.

“We also have knitted coathangers, hand towels with crocheted tops, kids’ booties. In the winter we make scarves, beanies and mittens. We have rugs and patchwork quilts, library bags and shopping bags. We also sell plants in a small section.

“We never have any trouble selling anything, and our stall is always busy because everyone is happy to support the Cancer Council. Many people come along and tell you their story. EEveryone has a story, and sometimes we even run out of stock.

“There’s usually two or three of us working a table stall, and it takes one person all of their time just to keep restocking.”

With her preschool teaching experience still a strong memory, Rosemary knows how to cater for kids, too.

“I know what three, four and five-year-olds like, so I also make fairy wings, dinosaur tails, skirts, dancing ribbons with bells, capes and fluffy tails,” she says.

“A lot of hard work and love goes into everything that is produced. We are a team and, after working together for so many years, feel we are providing a service to the community, which in turn is benefitting the community.

“I am 75 now. When I started I was 52, so things are a bit different. We’ve lost a few members to cancer; we’ve got a lot of survivors in the team, and this year we won the ‘Highly Commended Volunteer Team of the Year’ award.”

relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/boldbandannas/act-2023