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Catherine’s Story: Frocking Up from the Heart of Regional Australia
For Catherine Stephen, Frocktober is more than a fundraiser, it’s a chance to bring awareness and advocacy to an issue that has shaped her life in profound ways.
An ovarian cancer survivor, OCRF Ambassador, and proud Armidale, NSW, local, Catherine has been frocking up for five years to raise vital funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research.
“Frocktober is all about awareness and advocacy,” Catherine explains. “It’s a fun and creative platform to spark conversations and shine a light on ovarian cancer, which is so often overlooked and underfunded.”
How Catherine frocks up
This year, Catherine is frocking up in her signature style: wearing a different dress each day, hosting local events, and continuing her unique portrait series. With the help of a photographer friend, she stages striking photoshoots around the New England region, among cows and horses, on farms, and framed by the beauty of rural landscapes. It’s a joyful celebration of fashion, creativity, and community, all in the name of ovarian cancer research.
For Catherine, raising awareness is personal. Diagnosed in 2010, it took three GP visits before her ovarian cancer was detected. Living in a regional town meant travelling more than four hours to access treatment and specialists – a challenge faced by many women in rural and remote areas. More than 70 per cent of cases are detected in the advanced stages when the disease is harder to treat and cure – early diagnosis and intervention is vital to survival.
“That experience showed me just how critical awareness and funding are, not just for women like me, but especially for those in regional communities where healthcare is harder to access,” she says.
Catherine’s top tips
Ovarian cancer remains one of the least understood and most underfunded cancers affecting women, with survival rates still far too low – less than 50 per cent. Catherine is determined to change that by using Frocktober as a joyful yet powerful platform to advocate for better symptom awareness and research outcomes.
“I want more women to know the signs, and I want research to deliver earlier detection and better treatments,” she says.
From farms to frocks, Catherine’s campaign proves that awareness can be raised anywhere, and that regional voices are vital in the collective fight against ovarian cancer.
“There are so many ways you can frock up this October, whether it’s joining the campaign, attending events, or donating,” Catherine says. “Together, we can frock ovarian cancer.”
So many ways to Frock Up!
Catherine participates in Frocktober via the original method of choosing a new Frock for every day of Frocktober. In 2025, we have more ways than ever to get involved and show your support. From limited edition funky merchandise, frocking workplaces, to One off Frock challenge, there is NO excuse to get your neighbour, nan, partner or boss to join this incredible movement as we say ‘Frock Ovarian Cancer’.