A group of cyclists has taken to the highways surrounding Deniliquin over the last three days, and not just for their own health.
With the nation’s health in mind, nine Rotarians jumped on their bikes for the Ride to Conference - Deni Dash.
The three days of riding preceded the three-day Rotary District Conference which starts today, and is in support of Australian Rotary Health.
Ride convenor and Deniliquin Rotarian George Maddison was one of the riders taking part this week.
He said the ride dates back about 18 years and has raised more than $250 million for Rotary’s health initiative to date.
Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia.
It provides funding towards research grants, fellowships and PhD scholarships focused on finding preventative and curative solutions for mental illness in young Australians.
From this year, the funding focus will narrow to the mental health of children aged 0-12.
Australian Rotary Health also provides funding into a broad range of general health areas, provide scholarships for rural medical and nursing students, as well as Indigenous health students.
While some rides can tally up to about 800km in total, Mr Maddison said the riders and support crew on the Deni Dash would only complete about 200km.
On Wednesday the riders and their bikes were driven to Picnic Point in the afternoon and they rode back to the Deni Golf Resort, where they are staying for the weekend.
Yesterday they rode out to Pretty Pine, along the Billabong to Conargo and back to the resort via the Conargo Rd.
Today’s ride is to Steven’s Weir and back, before the participants join the rest of the conference delegates for a welcome event at the Deniliquin Town Hall this evening.
Mr Maddison said all riders have been fundraising in the lead up to the ride, with a minimum fundraising effort of $250 required of any rider participating.
He said the total raised would be announced as part of this weekend’s conference.
Deniliquin Rotary is expecting to host up to 100 Rotarians from across the district this weekend, which Deniliquin-based District Governor David McPherson said would have been trebled had accommodation options in Deniliquin not been stretched already.
But even with a smaller conference, he said the Rotarians will have plenty of social and formal activities to enjoy.
Delegates can enjoy golf and bowls today before tonight’s welcome function.
Tomorrow, they will participate in the Ruth Konig Memorial Walk, organised by McLean Beach Parkrun, before being given the option to join a houseboat ride and lunch on the river.
The Saturday itinerary also includes a tour of the Deni Ute Muster site and a gala dinner at the Deniliquin RSL.
The weekend concludes with breakfast at The Depot on Sunday, which includes entry for the delegates to view the museum at their own pace.
“It is hoped that Rotarians will return to our town at some stage in the future to experience more of what Deniliquin has to offer,” Mr McPherson said.
Donations are still being accepted for the Ride to Conference - Deni Dash.
Donations can be made to BSB 112 879 Account 065 433 595 with the reference ‘D9790 RTC’. You are then asked to email a receipt of the direct deposit, donor details and tagged ‘D9790 RTC’ to jenny@arh.org.au.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and support information is also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.