MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release | Thursday 22 October 2026
Debbie’s legacy blooms as Brucedale opens its gardens for women’s cancer research
Three gardens, local markets, and an afternoon of entertainment will bring the Riverina community together to support research that could save women’s lives.
Debbie Bruce’s family is inviting the Riverina community to help grow her legacy, with the return of the Brucedale Open Garden & Market Day on Sunday 25 October, supporting vital research into gynaecological cancers.
Every day in Australia, 19 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer (including uterine/endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulva cancers) and six lose their lives. Research is essential to changing these outcomes, developing better treatments and giving women more time with the people they love.
For Debbie’s family, gynaecological cancer research is deeply personal. Diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer, leiomyosarcoma, in 2018, Debbie founded the Brucedale Open Garden & Market event to raise awareness and help improve the future for other women facing these diseases.
Running from midday to 5 pm, this year’s event will open three beautiful gardens exclusively for the day, alongside boutique market stalls, live music, local food trucks, wine tasting, face painting and raffles. Visitors will begin at Brucedale Hall, where they will collect a map to guide their garden visits. The final garden will bring everyone together for an afternoon celebration of food, drink and entertainment.
Debbie hosted the inaugural event in 2019, raising over $20,000 for research which has directly funded research for rare gynaecological cancers. Following her passing in October 2020, her family continued the event in her honour in 2022. Now returning for its third staging, the family is aiming to raise $60,000, with all proceeds supporting WomenCan to fund gynaecological cancer research conducted by ANZGOG.
“Debbie started this event because she wanted other women facing gynaecological cancer to have more options, more hope and more time with their families. She would always say, 'if just one lady gets checked, then this event is a huge success'." said Debbie's husband Trevor Bruce
We want to honour Debbie and carry her vision forward. We know how much more time together means to a family, and are aim is for the research supported through this event will give more women that chance. We would love people from Brucedale, Wagga Wagga and across the Riverina to join us. Come and enjoy the gardens, bring your family and friends, and be part of something that can make a difference well beyond the day.” he added.
The event offers visitors an opportunity to explore gardens rarely open to the public while also supporting local businesses, makers and research with the potential to change lives.
“Every gynaecological cancer diagnosis changes a woman’s life and leaves those who love her facing uncertainty. Research is critical to giving women better treatment options and a greater chance of survival,” said Caitlin Francis, CEO of ANZGOG.
“Debbie wanted that chance for other women. Her family and the Brucedale community are carrying her wish forward, helping fund research so more women have more time with the people they love. We are deeply grateful.” she added.
Tickets are available online through Eventbrite or at Brucedale Hall on the day. Visitors are encouraged to book ahead and start their afternoon at the hall to collect their garden map.
EVENT DETAILS
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What: Brucedale Open Garden & Market Day
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When: Sunday 25 October 2026, 12 pm–5 pm
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Starting point: Brucedale Hall, 1575 Olympic Highway, Brucedale NSW 2650
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Featuring: Three open gardens, boutique market stalls, live music, local food trucks, face painting, raffles
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Ticket price: $22.49
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Bookings: Book through Eventbrite, or purchase tickets at Brucedale Hall on the day
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More information: womencan.org.au/brucedale
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Supporting: ANZGOG | WomenCan and gynaecological cancer research
ENDS
Interviews can be arranged with Debbie’s family and an ANZGOG | WomenCan representative. Family-approved photographs of Debbie, previous events and the gardens are available on request.
About ANZGOG
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) | WomenCan is a leading gynaecological cancer research organisation with an unwavering focus on saving lives. We design, lead and deliver world-class clinical trials, multidisciplinary research and education, bringing together clinicians, researchers and communities nationally and globally.
We have united 1,650+ experts and advocates to transform the future of gynaecological cancer and partner with government and policymakers to drive meaningful change at scale. We turn research into impact by raising awareness, improving treatment and advancing standards of care to deliver better outcomes and improved quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancers
Contact details:
Monique Cerreto | 0416 282 464 | [email protected]
