Our Mission
Pink Ink Australia provides benevolent relief, support and assistance to Australian men and women impacted by breast cancer through access to paramedical and artistic camouflage tattooing services.
These procedures, while often life-changing, can be financially out of reach. They play a vital role in reducing the physical and emotional impact of residual scarring, body disfigurement, loss of the nipple and areola, burns, and other treatment-related effects resulting from mastectomy, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
By funding these specialised tattoos, Pink Ink aims to support a more complete recovery — not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally — helping survivors regain confidence, restore a sense of self, and move forward beyond their breast cancer journey.
SURVIVOR TRAUMA IS NOT JUST PHYSICAL
The breast cancer journey is different for every individual, but one thing remains consistent — it is profoundly traumatic.
Once treatment concludes, many survivors find there is limited post-treatment support to help them process the physical and emotional toll of what they have endured. They are often left living with significant physical impacts, including scarring, loss of nipples, burns and skin changes. For many, the trauma does not end with treatment — it continues each time they are confronted with their reflection. This ongoing distress can contribute to post-cancer PTSD, as well as severe and persistent depression.
Such disfigurement can lead to Body Dysmorphia (Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD), a serious mental health condition characterised by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance. Even when those changes are the result of real physical trauma, their significance can become magnified in the mind of the individual. These intrusive thoughts can dominate daily life, occupying hours each day, causing intense emotional distress, and impairing the ability to function normally.
Body dysmorphia can have far-reaching consequences — affecting relationships, placing immense strain on marriages, and contributing to severe or chronic depression. When combined with post-cancer PTSD, the psychological burden can become overwhelming, and in some cases, has been linked to suicidal ideation and outcomes.
WHO WE ARE - THE BACK STORY
The breast cancer journey is different for everyone.
The one thing we all have in common - is that it is traumatic. I know this – because I went through Breast Cancer in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.
Once treatment is over - there is little post-treatment care for survivors left with the pain and scars from the battle they have endured.
Even though I suffer now with chronic pain, lymphedema, a pitted armpit, radiation burns, cording in my tendons, nerve damage and numbness throughout my entire right-hand side; as well as minimal eyelashes, less hair and patchy eyebrows - I consider myself "a lucky one".
The results for me are near perfection - when compared to others who are left basically mutilated - with severe scarring, no nipples, damaged eyebrow hair follicles, damaged skin and more. I can look at myself in the mirror - but for these survivors - their trauma continues every time they look at their own reflection. In fact - the commonly used term by these survivors, about their reflection, is that they "look like a monster".
Such disfigurement can lead to body dysmorphia, a condition that causes significant distress and can interfere with everyday functioning. It can deeply impact relationships, place strain on marriages, and contribute to severe or chronic depression. For many survivors, these challenges are compounded by post-cancer PTSD, further affecting their mental health and overall quality of life. In the most serious cases, this psychological burden can lead to suicidal thoughts or outcomes.
I was inspired by a friend who lost her nipples through a double mastectomy. This impacted her life, and when she became a single mother, she saved and saved her money to get the tattoos done. She had to delay the procedure a few times because of financial circumstances, but when she finally got it done - the CHANGE in her was profound. Huge! She is a different and better person for it. The confidence in her exudes. She is now dating and enjoying life - not hiding herself away from the pleasure of being a beautiful desirable woman.
I didn't want money to be the obstacle for survivors being able to get these tattoos which can change their lives. It is an important part of a full physical and emotional recovery from breast cancer journey.
And so, this is how Pink Ink began.
June Belkovskis
WHO WE ARE - THE BOARD
Pink Ink Australia is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors with a longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community service. Each member brings not only professional expertise and leadership, but also a deeply personal connection to the cause — having been impacted by breast cancer either directly or through loved ones.
This shared experience underpins the Board’s passion, empathy, and unwavering commitment to supporting survivors, ensuring the organisation remains purpose-driven, compassionate, and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes.
Our Board is responsible for Pink Ink Australia’s overall performance and compliance, providing strategic direction, effective governance and leadership.
Our Constitution establishes a governance structure for Pink Ink Australia in which the management and control of the business and affairs of our organisation is vested in our Board .
