Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, a local boutique cherished by cancer survivors, has been crowned as a winner of Australia Post’s Local Business Heroes program.

The annual program awards each winner up to $5,000 worth of business support, products, and services, including tools to boost their e-commerce capability.

Amidst soaring inflation and interest rates, 4,000 other small businesses entered to claim the prize that recognises pillars in individual communities.

The Garran boutique was founded over 20 years ago by former owner, Colleen, and provides support and reassurance to women during their fittings, particularly those struggling with breast cancer, mental health issues, and special needs.

Gillian Horton took over the business in 2014, recognising a growing demand for such services after being a customer herself. 

“To be acknowledged for what we do in the community is something really special,” Ms Horton tells CW.

“You think about a lingerie store and wonder, ‘How much can they contribute?’ But I see every day how much we contribute to the lives of the women we see.

“In the time from when they walk in, to when they walk out, their confidence has completely changed.”

Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear also supports the local community by donating 10 per cent of their sales to Pink Hope and Bosom Buddies.

For women who have undergone a mastectomy, the store is a hub for education and practical support.

Outside of Canberra, the business also donates bras and other products to women in Fiji and regularly supports the Cancer Council.

While the doors of the brick-and-mortar store were closed during the pandemic, Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear continued to provide positive body image, confidence, and innovative solutions for women through online appointments and deliveries to hospitals.

“During Covid, we realised that small businesses, particularly female-run businesses, are the backbone of the community,” says Ms Horton. “It feels amazing to be acknowledged.”

AusPost nearly doubled the number of Local Business Heroes to 100 winners in 2023, up from 57 last year, in line with a 400 per cent increase in entries.

Furthermore, Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear won in the category with the most entries.

Clothing businesses made up nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of submissions.

Gillian believes that the Local Business Heroes’ program is essential for businesses like hers and looks forward to letting even more local women know that the store is “right there on their doorstep.” Ready to provide a refuge in life’s lowest moments.

She looks forward to seeing her business advertised in Post Offices around Canberra.

“Even if we can transform just one woman’s life, who came in from a postcard, I’ll be happy,” she smiles.

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