Federal Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie is again participating in the Annual Pollie Pedal Charity Cycling Event.
This year, Pollie Pedal will be supporting Soldier On – a national charitable organisation that supports more than 5,000 veterans and their family members through their health and wellbeing services, employment support, learning and education programs, as well as participation and social connection activities.
Since 1998, riders in the Pollie Pedal have covered over 22,000 kilometres and raised more than $7 million for organisations like Carers Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Ronald McDonald House, Youth Insearch, and the Paralympic Games. Pollie Pedal has also supported medical research into childhood leukaemia, diabetes, and breast and prostate cancer.
Now in its 23rd year, the 2022 Pollie Pedal started yesterday in Canberra and will travel over 1,000km through regional towns in South-West NSW before arriving back in Canberra next Tuesday.
While raising money for charity, the event also provides smaller Australian communities with the opportunity to meet Members of Parliament. Those taking part include current and former politicians, corporate supporters, and several keen cyclists who have been involved in the organisation of the event since its inception.
Dr Gillespie, who is a regular cyclist and has participated in more than a dozen Pollie Pedal events, said the ride would be gruelling but it was all for very good cause.
“It’s always a tough ride both physically and mentally. The ride for Pollie Pedal is a lot longer than my normal rides in the electorate and in Canberra, but I enjoy it and keeps me fit.
“Soldier On is great organisation that has done some really amazing work with our veterans connecting them back into the community after their service where they continue to tackle what has been described as both the seen and unseen scars of war.”
Veterans joining the ride will have the chance to share their experiences, with fellow riders and with members of the community.
www.soldieron.org.au/pollie-pedal-2022/
