DistantNews
Support us
🇦🇺 Australia /Good News

Australian town's 19-year bike ride fundraiser honors local boy, supports vital services

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Tour De Prairie, a 19-year-old bike ride fundraiser in the small town of Prairie, Australia, has raised thousands for local charities.
  • This year's event honored Conall Wescott, a local boy who died from a rare genetic condition, with proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
  • The community event involves students, parents, and locals riding or walking 7 kilometers, fostering community spirit and supporting vital services.

In the tiny Australian town of Prairie, where only 100 residents live, an annual tradition brings the community together for a cause. The Tour De Prairie, now in its 19th year, is a beloved bike ride fundraiser that has consistently raised thousands of dollars for charities important to the community.

We had multiple flights to Townsville where they kept him alive, they saved his life numerous times

— Hugh WescottHugh Wescott, father of Conall Wescott, highlighting the critical role of the Royal Flying Doctor Service during his son's illness.

This year's event held special significance as it was dedicated to the memory of Conall Wescott, a local boy who tragically passed away in May from the rare genetic condition Gould syndrome. His father, Hugh Wescott, shared how vital the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was during his son's illness, stating, "We had multiple flights to Townsville where they kept him alive, they saved his life numerous times." The funds raised this year will directly support the RFDS.

The Tour De Prairie, organized by Prairie State School, sees participants ride or walk 7 kilometers to Railview cattle station. There, games are played, and lunch is shared, creating a festive atmosphere. The theme this year was bright colors, adding a vibrant touch to the proceedings. The event has a history of supporting various causes, including Cows for Cambodia, the Cancer Council, and the chemotherapy treatment room at the Hughenden hospital.

Prairie's a great community and it's just about giving back.

— Michelle FryerMichelle Fryer, a long-time supporter of the event, emphasizing the community's spirit of giving back.

Graziers like Michelle Fryer have supported the event since its inception in 2007, initially in memory of her daughter Alex. "Prairie's a great community and it's just about giving back," she said, reflecting on the event's evolution. Despite occasional challenges like flat tires on the outback roads, the community's spirit remains strong, with participants and tourists alike contributing to the cause. The event's continuation is a testament to the community's dedication to supporting those in need.

I think it's really good, everyone enjoys it, and older boarding school kids come back for it and it's just nice to jump on a bike and go for a ride

— Bernie MertonBernie Merton, school P&C treasurer, describing the enjoyable and inclusive nature of the event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog