The Childers State School mountain bike group have pedalled their way to success and been named the 2024 Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Local Hero for the Bundaberg Region.
The group consists of students dedicated to raising funds to ensure ongoing support for their community from the RFDS (Queensland Section), with many having had family members rely on the aeromedical service.
Childers State School Teacher Kerri Willis explained that with the children growing up in regional Queensland, they appreciated and recognised the importance of the services provided by the RFDS.
“I think given how young they are, to understand the importance of the RFDS and how integral they are to our community is very impressive,” Kerri said.
“Over the years they have learned that many people have used the RFDS services and supporting them has become something they are committed to.”
The students took part in the RFDS Oceans to Outback campaign, a month-long fitness and fundraising challenge.
In their first year, they raised over $700 by completing a 700 km ride but were inspired to do even more.
The mountain bike group successfully rode 1,000 kilometres for the Oceans to Outback challenge last year, raising $1,375 for the RFDS.
Going above and beyond
Bundaberg Base Support Manager Shannon Coggins said she felt immensely proud of the students’ achievements and their willingness to support the RFDS through the Oceans to Outback challenge.
“Oceans to Outback is a fundraising campaign that the RFDS runs every year across Australia,” Shannon said.
“I think what’s special about this particular group of children is that they have gone above and beyond outside of their schooling days to participate in this particular fundraising campaign for us.”
Driven by the heartfelt stories of family members depending on the RFDS, the students eagerly joined the fundraiser and dedicated their time and energy to supporting the notable cause.
Year two student Curtis was motivated to complete the challenge for his grandma who was seriously unwell last year and needed the RFDS to fly her to Brisbane where she received critical care.
“We rode and people sponsored us so that the Royal Flying Doctor Service can help people,” Curtis said.
“Helping the RFDS made me feel joyful.”
The RFDS Local Hero Awards are supported by Ergon Energy Retail.
