Code Legends McGrath and Judd Unite: Real Men Wear Pink!

Chairman of the McGrath Foundation and cricketing legend, Glenn McGrath, and AFL superstar and Visy Environmental Ambassador, Chris Judd, today launched the McGrath Pink Safety Vests, with Visy the first company to issue the vests   for all of their onsite visitors and contractors to their plants. 

The only pink safety vest available which meets all Australian Safety Standards, the vests were launched at Visy Park, where    not only Glenn and Chris were wearing the McGrath Pink Safety Vests, but   construction workers on the building site   at Carlton's home ground, Visy   management and drivers of  Visy recycling trucks were all more than happy to jump on board and show that they believed in a favourite saying at the McGrath Foundation: "It takes a real man to wear pink!" 

Visy Recycling's GM of Marketing & Public Affairs, Lee Smith said the idea for a bright pink safety vest was the brain-child of Visy Major Accounts Manager, Barry Price. "Although it's taken nearly a year to get the pink colour approved and the production of the vests under way, we are thrilled with  the final look of the product and we'll be kicking off with an order for 500 of the McGrath Pink Safety Vests to allow us to differentiate between Visy personnel and visitors on all our sites," he said.  

Commenting on the launch, Glenn said he couldn't be happier with Visy's support which has helped give McGrath pink a whole new meaning - Visy's  concept for the McGrath Pink Safety Vest was the inspiration that spurred on the release of the McGrath Pink Hard Hat range that was launched with Patrick's Stevedores in Sydney in September 2009. 

"Visy's enthusiasm to partner with the McGrath Foundation and initiate the concept of the McGrath Pink Safety Vests has been tremendous.  To take hot pink and put it on plant staff, construction workers, and even stevedores is really a unique idea and one that has really been embraced right across Australia.  The reality of this product though is that it can even be used around any sort of machinery or in any environment where visibility is key - I've already sent a couple to my dad and brother out on the farm. 

"The McGrath Pink Hard Hats were an incredible success and have been literally walking out the door, so I can only imagine that Visy will start a trend that we'll soon see on manufacturing and worksites nationally.  

"And the McGrath Pink Safety Range is only set to get bigger - who knows, one day there may even be a pink crane on the way!" said Glenn. 

Traditionally a fan of blue, Carlton captain and Visy's Environmental Ambassador, Chris Judd, can't think of a better way to salute what the McGrath Foundation is trying to achieve and is proud, Visy, has lead the charge on such an important initiative. 

"This is such a unique idea and I'd be more than happy to see all of our supporters in their pink safety gear in their day to day lives. After all, everyone knows that there are hardly fewer more passionate people than a Carlton supporter and you would have to be passionate to be prepared as a bloke to step up and show your true colours by wearing pink. I think Jane McGrath knew what she was talking about when she said it takes a real man wear pink!" said Chris. 

Visy Recycling's, Lee Smith, believes the McGrath Foundation message really resonates with Visy staff in plants across the country.  

"We really wanted to find a way not just to make a donation to the Foundation, but to show that we live the McGrath Foundation values of promoting breast awareness even while working.  

"Unfortunately, breast cancer affects our families, friends and colleagues, but through the solidarity of wearing these McGrath Pink Safety Vests each and every day, we have a constant reminder that we all need to be breast aware and to support the amazing work of the McGrath Foundation. 

"We couldn't be prouder to partner with the McGrath Foundation and we hope other workplaces nationally will follow suit and order their McGrath Pink Safety Vests to show their support," said Lee. 

While the new McGrath pink safety range will promote valuable breast awareness, a donation will be made to the McGrath Foundation for each safety vest and hard hat sold, helping fund additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia. 

For further information about the new range of McGrath Foundation Pink Safety Wear and how your company can get involved, please call (02) 8962 6100 or visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.