The friendship between two emergency services providers has been strengthened with the Kalamunda Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade putting forward two teams to participate in the Flying Doctor's major fundraiser event, the Gibb Challenge.
FOURTEEN volunteer bush firies from Kalamunda in Perth are readying their bodies and minds to take on the mighty Gibb Mountain Bike Challenge this weekend in support of the Flying Doctor in Western Australia.
Held annually in the Kimberley, the 2019 Gibb Challenge will see more than 60 teams take turns to ride 660 kilometres of corrugated and dusty road from Derby to El Questro over five days.
This year’s challenge piqued plenty of interest amongst the bushies, with two teams of ‘Kalamunda Bushies’ - which also includes two SES members, signing up to take on the iconic Western Australian event.
Kalamunda Bushies captain John Idland is a seasoned participant, having conquered the Gibb Challenge three times before.
“The members of the team understand more than most how important the work of our emergency services is here in a state like Western Australia,” John said.
“When the opportunity arose to help one of our fellow agencies, it was a no brainer.”
John, a business owner in Port Hedland, said while he’s never had to use the RFDS personally, had an employee require the assistance of the RFDS just two weeks ago.
“One of my employees became extremely ill in Port Hedland and a local doctor recognised the symptoms and requested an immediate medivac,” he said.
“Within 48 hours of arriving in Perth, he was in an operating room and undergoing a double bypass heart operation. He, like many others, might have suffered a worst outcome without the services of the RFDS.
“Many West Australians can share similar stories of how the Flying Doctor has touched their lives or those of their friends, family or loved ones. It’s why the team have trained hard for the last five months and spent countless hours raising funds to help our friends in the RFDS keep up their good work.”
To get behind the Kalamunda Bushies, visit: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/191647/kalamunda-bushie-1
