Travellers at Brisbane Airport saw a unique Breast Cancer Awareness promotion during October 2011, thanks to a pink air freight Toyota towing tractor.
Australian Air Express asked Toyota Material Handling (TMH) to paint the 2.5-tonne capacity Toyota 2TD25 towing tractor pink, including a breast cancer logo.
The tractor's daily duties include towing airline freight containers to the Brisbane Airport domestic and international terminals.
Australian Air Express Queensland airports manager Steve Brodby said this will mean thousands of airline customers saw the breast cancer message every day, from the terminal lounges and while waiting for take-off.
"We at Australian Air Express all know someone who has been touched by this disease in one way or the other, so each year we've been doing our part to raise awareness," he said.
"This year, we decided to lift our effort to the next level."
The specially painted towing tractor was delivered to Australian Air Express's Brisbane Airport depot on 10 October - where the entire staff turned out in pink shirts for the occasion.
More than 12,000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to the Cancer Council.
Tragically, more than 2500 lose their lives to the disease.
Pink Ribbon Day on Monday 24 October gave Australians the opportunity to show their support for the one in nine Australian women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85.
"A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a traumatic experience that can severely disrupt a woman's family and working life. However, outcomes are improving," said the CEO of Cancer Council Australia, Professor Ian Olver.
"By participating in events like Pink Ribbon day, the public can help Cancer Council provide support services to improve the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer, along with research into potential new treatments and prevention measures."
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in females in Australia and it is estimated that almost 13,300 Australian women will be diagnosed this year.
A lesser known fact is that approximately 100 Australian males will also be diagnosed with the disease.
The Australian Air Express towing tractor is TMH Qld's second involvement with specially painted machines for cancer awareness.
In 2008 TMH (Qld) painted two Toyota 8FG20 forklift trucks (one pink and one blue) so Pershouse Produce could spread the breast cancer and prostate cancer message at the Brisbane Produce Markets.
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Pink Toyota Tow Tractor Supports Cancer Awareness