22 February 2018

Mr Des O'Callaghan visited Gunnedah Shire Council on Wednesday, 21 February 2018 to thank Councillors for their support in aiding his fundraising efforts for The Long Ride motorcycle event in 2017, supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia.

Council resolved to support the cause with a $500 donation in June last year. Mr O'Callaghan provided Council with a certificate of appreciation and a flag from the event.

Background: The first Long Ride was introduced in 2007 in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australia. This event raised $50,000.00 and had approximately 300 riders involved at any one stage. On the ride into Darwin there was over 330 riders involved thundering into Darwin in a very emotional and historic ride after 8 days traveling across Australia. The Long Ride 2008 travelled to Perth, WA, in support of Prostate Cancer and over the length of the event, approximately 270 riders were involved throughout the ride which managed to raise $20,000.00 for a core of 33 riders (core riders who rode all the way). Last year's event took the riders across Tasmania, with more than $265,000 collected to raise the profile of prostate cancer awareness. For more information on the event visit: http://longride2010.webs.com/