Fiona Shields currently fills the position and has done so for the last 18 months.

Mrs Shields is based in Griffith but covers Leeton, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo and all communities in between.

Mrs Shields role was recently increased from two days to three.

With the increase of hours she is able to contact patients earlier and better service the wider community.

“My workload varies, basically I’ve had around 53 new referrals this year. That’s 1.5 people each week,” Mrs Shields said.

“Now that my role has been increased I am able to do outreach to the surrounding areas.

“A lot of it’s over the phone in a supporting role but I’m able to attend specialist’s appointments with patients.

“I’m able to see anyone free of charge.

“We try and provide people with physical, psychological and emotional support all the way through their breast cancer diagnosis.”

Griffith Real Estate (GRE) will be holding a pink party on Monday, October 12 to help raise money for Mr Bateman’s trek.

GRE have already raised $10,000 and are looking to double that in the hope of having a full time breast care nurse in the area.

Margaret Moore from the Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group said that keeping a breast care nurse in Griffith was paramount to the health of people living with the disease.

“Hopefully, with the pink tractor fundraiser, nurses will be given more hours in rural areas,” she said.

"That’s what we would be hoping to happen.

“There’s just so many people out there that need that care and advice.

“I hope the community gets behind it.

“It’s service is really needed here, we’re just so far (away from metro areas).”

Mrs Moore said the Mrs Shields must be commended for the outstanding job she does.

“In regional areas there just don't seem to have enough breast care nurses which makes it a bit awkward for people in that position,” she said.

“Their hours are just so little and there’s such a big area to cover, I don't know how she (Mrs Shields) does it.

“It’s vital that these people have support from here (the Griffith area), it must be terribly hard.”

Members of the public are encouraged to wear pink and head down to Griffith Real Estate at 146 Yambil Street on Monday at 5pm.

Hugh Bateman’s pink tractor will be there along with music, food, drinks plus a jumping castle and face painting for the kids.