What’s happening?
The Annex and Victoria Street Bridge in Toowoomba will light up in pink and purple from 3 to 9 August 2025. These light displays are part of National Eosinophilic Week, a national campaign led by ausEE Inc. under the banner of #EOSLightUp. Across the country, major buildings, bridges and public spaces will join in, with each light‑up helping to spark conversations about eosinophil‑associated diseases.
Why it matters
Eosinophilic diseases happen when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, gather in parts of the body and cause inflammation and damage. These conditions are not rare in their impact.
Many people face strict diets, ongoing monitoring and regular medical care. Sarah Gray, CEO and Founder of ausEE Inc., explained, “Eosinophilic diseases can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life. They often involve chronic symptoms and require ongoing monitoring and long‑term management. Our goal during National Eosinophilic Week is to raise awareness and urgently needed funds for medical research.”
Local impact
The Toowoomba Regional Council has supported this lighting as part of a growing movement to show those living with these diseases that they are seen and supported. Residents are encouraged to visit the Annex and Victoria Street Bridge during the light‑up week, take photos safely and share them on social media with #EOSLightUp, #EOSaware and #NEOSW2025. ausEE Inc. will also feature selected images on its website, and photos can be sent directly to admin@ausee.org.
By the numbers
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More than 125 landmarks will light up across Australia and New Zealand between 3 and 9 August 2025.
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Eosinophilic oesophagitis, one of the better-known eosinophilic conditions, affects about 1 in 1,000 people and can lead to swallowing problems and food impaction.
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Two major research projects into these diseases are ready to begin but are currently on hold due to funding gaps.
Zoom in
On Friday, 8 August, ausEE will hold its signature fundraiser, the Top 8 Challenge. People across Australia and New Zealand are invited to give up eight common allergenic foods for one day: milk, wheat, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. This is a way for the wider community to experience, even briefly, the daily restrictions many people with eosinophilic oesophagitis face.
Zoom out
The Toowoomba light‑ups form part of a much larger effort. From Brisbane to Townsville and across to New Zealand, communities are joining forces to raise awareness, drive funding and highlight the need for a better understanding of these complex conditions. Each building or bridge bathed in pink and purple adds to the national conversation.
What to look for next?
Supporters can help in many ways. Share your light‑up photos, take part in the Top 8 Challenge on Friday 8 August or donate directly to ongoing research. Visit https://top8challenge.com to learn more or contribute.