Toowoomba Lights Up for National Eosinophilic Week

Toowoomba will shine bright in pink and purple from 3 to 9 August 2025, joining a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of eosinophil-associated diseases. As part of National Eosinophilic Week, The Annex and Victoria Street bridge will be illuminated in support of the #EOSLightUp campaign led by ausEE Inc.

The annual campaign sees major landmarks across Australia and New Zealand lit up to spark important conversations about eosinophilic diseases-chronic conditions caused by an abnormal build-up of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in various parts of the body. These diseases can trigger inflammation, cause significant damage, and impact day-to-day life.

"Eosinophilic diseases often involve persistent symptoms and require strict dietary management, ongoing medical monitoring and long-term care," said Sarah Gray, CEO and Founder of ausEE Inc. "Our goal during National Eosinophilic Week is to raise both awareness and urgently needed funds for medical research."

Toowoomba Regional Council is proudly supporting the illumination project, joining more than 125 other landmarks across Australia and New Zealand that are taking part. The light-up serves as a message of visibility and solidarity to individuals and families affected by these conditions.

Residents are encouraged to visit the light displays at The Annex and Victoria Street Bridge during the week, take photos, and share them online using hashtags #EOSLightUp, #EOSaware, and #NEOSW2025. Selected images may be featured on the ausEE Inc. website, and submissions can also be emailed to admin@ausee.org.

Among the various eosinophilic conditions, eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is one of the most recognised, affecting roughly 1 in 1,000 people. EoE can cause difficulty swallowing and even food getting stuck in the throat. Although two major research projects into eosinophilic diseases are ready to launch, they remain on hold due to a lack of funding.

To further drive community engagement, ausEE will host its flagship fundraiser-the Top 8 Challenge-on Friday, 8 August. Participants are invited to give up the eight most common allergenic foods for a day: milk, wheat, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. This challenge offers a glimpse into the dietary restrictions many with EoE live with every day.

From Toowoomba to Townsville and across the Tasman to New Zealand, communities are coming together to shine a light on these complex conditions. Every illuminated landmark is a symbol of support and a step towards increased understanding, improved treatment, and greater hope for those affected.