The high-tea event focuses on educating and encouraging women showing symptoms of ovarian cancer to see a doctor.

Attendees all had a dash of teal in their outfits in the form of ribbons and wristbands.

The colour teal  goes with the theme of Teal Ribbon Day which is  part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Event manager Kath Bolitho said it was the third year the afternoon teal had been organised.

“This was out first time in the town hall,” she said.

“Last year was the first year we used the ‘biggest’ format and it was one of the biggest (afternoon teal events) in Australia.”

Ms Bolitho said director of Bendigo Health’s emergency department Diane Badcock spoke to the guests.

“The point of event is education and getting women to know bodies and (possible) symptoms,” Ms Bolitho said.

“There’s no early detection for ovarian cancer, so if you are presenting symptoms, you should see a doctor.

“We want to raise awareness, so if people have a friend or family member (who may be sick) to encourage them to go to doctor.”

The event only lasted for about an hour, which allowed attendees to go during their lunch break.

“It was very accessible. So people can get out of the office or home for an hour and still have time to pick kids up after school,” Ms Bolitho said.

Ms Bolitho said Lisa Smith and a a passionate committee were behind the organisation of the event.

“Lisa is the Ovarian Cancer Australia ambassador for the Bendigo region and there is a really passionate committee behind her,” Ms Bolitho said.

As well as raising awareness, the event raised money for Ovarian Cancer Australia.

We got some wonderful sponsorships from local businesses,” Ms Bolitho said.

“Those businesses have come together to help us do raise money.

“Funds are secondary to the message we are promoting but the fundraising has been fantastic. Money goes to fantastic Ovarian Cancer Australia to help with their research.”

Only 43 per cent of the almost 1500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year will survive.  

At least 15 per cent of epithelial ovarian cancers are thought to be the result of inheriting a faulty gene from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family.

For more information on the Bendigo part of Ovarian Cancer Australia head to www.facebook.com/OvarianCancerBendigo

For more on Ovarian Cancer Australia head to www.ovariancancer.net.au