More than 1 million Australian dollars ($830,000) was raised for breast cancer research in a record that the Queensland town is unlikely to try and defend.

'I've got a few ideas for another record attempt but you can rule out more bras -- or knickers, or men's underpants or any clothing at all really,' Bauer said.

The Citizens Who Care charity roped in hundreds of Bundaberg locals to form the chain.

'I used to take them home and sit in front of the TV hooking them together,' said Helen Rimmington. 'I had blisters on my fingers from all the hooking.'

Contributions even came from abroad, with one woman from the United States mailing 16 bras she collected from friends.