The Royal Flying Doctors Service has just had its mental health funding coffers boosted by almost $200,000, thanks to a marathon 1200km bike ride from Brisbane to Longreach.
The 21 riders in the biennial RideWest challenge pedalled down the avenue to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame on Thursday afternoon after seven days that saw them greeted like champions all along their route through southern and western Queensland.
Brisbane stockbroker James Chandler, whose family hails from Barcaldine, was one of the participants and spoke for many when he said he had been looking for a challenge but as the ride went on, it became more about the Royal Flying Doctors Service and raising awareness of what they doing in the mental health field.
“Personally, I know what people are going through out here,” he said. “That’s why it was such a great week, one of the best rides ever. As it went on, the mental health story became more real.”
James enthusiastically endorsed the RideWest concept, begun by Les Hancock six years ago and coordinated by corporate organisations, and said this year it really felt like the concept had momentum.
“It absolutely should keep going,” he said. “All the towns realise we’re there and what we’re about now, and the corporate support is going to another level.”
As of Wednesday evening organisers hoped to bank $180,000 to help the RFDS decrease the rise and prevalence of shocking rural suicide statistics, one ride at a time.
Since its inception in 2010, RideWest has raised in excess of $500,000 towards RFDS regional mental health programs. Funds from previous rides helped more than 120 patients in 2014-2015.
RideWest 2016 sponsors included Williams Hall Chadwick, NAB, Morgans stockbroking, Lindsay Australia, Qantas, Thynne & Macartney, a’qto, Queensland Cricket Club, Corporate & Leisure Events and SG Consultancy.
This year, at least 15 riders had bush connections, a collective knowledge of the value of the ride, which drove the special camaraderie felt this year, according to James.
“Morgans has a lot of clients out here, and we’re making a commitment to get more involved in regional Queensland that I’m driving,” he said. “We’re an Australian firm but very proudly Queensland-based.”