Politicians, veterans and business leaders cycled through Cowra last Tuesday to raise money and support for Australia’s service men and women and their families, through charity, Soldier On.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who are both keen cyclists, led the peloton through 1,000 kilometres over eight days, across the Central West and Riverina of NSW, for the charity ride’s 23rd year. The riders saddled up in Canberra on Sunday 2 October and pedalled through Gunning, Grabben Gullen, Crookwell, Tuena, Trunkey Creek, Barry, Blayney, Mandurama, Canowindra, Cowra, Billimari, Goologong, Grenfell, Quandialla, Temora, Coolamon, Marrar, Junee, Illabo, Bethungra, Cootamundra, Harden, Binalong and Yass before hitting the brakes in Canberra the following Sunday.
Mr Taylor said Pollie Pedal raised money for not-for-profit veteran support organisation Solider On but also gave smaller Australian communities the opportunity to meet members of Parliament past and present.
“Pollie pedal is a hugely successful fundraiser founded by former Prime Minister Tony Abott back in 1998,” Mr Taylor said. “This year our mission was to raise money and awareness for Soldier On so they can continue their important work in helping veterans tackle both the seen and unseen scars of war and supporting their transition to civilian life.
“It was tough going – 1,000 kilometres is a long way and I was pretty sore and tired by the end of the week but it’s all for a terrific cause.
“It was also a great chance for the peddlers to check in with communities and businesses across regional New South Wales to see how they’re coping as we reach the other side of the pandemic.”
Since 1998, Pollie Pedal has ridden over 20,000 kilometres and raised more than $7 million for organisations such as 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, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
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