Mount Perry community pulls together for charity

The annual Mount Perry Truck Pull and Art Show was another successful and fun day for competitors, sponsors, exhibitors and spectators alike.  

The day raises funds for the School Chaplaincy and ASSIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) programs.  The ASSIST program is currently being offered to QPS staff to provide understanding and skills to detect potential suicide victims and provide support.

Organiser Jasmin Greig said that they valued being able to support the Chaplaincy and ASSIST programs which benefited North Burnett and Bundaberg Region youth.

“I don’t see our event, as much as the long term outcomes from these programs in people’s lives.  I believe what we are doing flows on; that it can and does save lives and also improves lives and provides help in times of crisis,” Jasmin said.

The winners of the Truck Pull for the day with $1,000 for first prize, $500 for second and $250 for third were: 

A/Sgt Col McLean from Bundaberg PCYC was ‘roped’ in to help out the Chaplaincy ‘Chappies’ Team.

Primary School Teams

• 1^st Mt Perry A
• 2^nd Wallaville 1
• 3^rd Gin Gin A

 Secondary School Teams

• 1^st Gin Gin High Senior
• 2^nd Monto High
• 3^rd Gin Gin High Junior

 Mens and Mixed Teams

• 1^st Cracow Evolution Team (donating their $1000 to the local school)
• 2^nd Golding Team
• 3^rd Mt Rawdon Evolution Team

Ladies Teams

• Mt Rawdon Ladies

S/Con Rofe paints himself in

The day’s activities also included the annual Art Show with a record number of 235 art entries on display.  Organised by the Mount Perry Art Group the show featured high quality art works from local and visiting artists.  Event artist Bob Gamage from the Sunshine Coast was contracted to paint the truck pull event on one big canvas.  Mount Perry Officer in Charge, Senior Constable Dave Rofe was invited by Bob to paint his QPS self into the artwork.  Everyone was welcome to sign the back of the artwork.  The painting will be on permanent display at the Federal Inn Restaurant, Mount Perry.   

In addition, over 100 riders and their mounts attended the showgrounds to participate in the Ride-For-Disabilities pony club ride organised by the Bundaberg Horse and Pony Club.   At 9am they all rode down Annie Street making for an impressive sight. 

Throughout the day Senior Constable Rofe was kept busy escorting the oversize ‘Tonka truck’ to and from the venue, pony express traffic control work, patrolling the numerous stalls and displays, ensuring the Mount Perry Line Dancers were not out of line, and a brush with the law.  He made an early arrest of a loose dog in the stalls area, which was bailed into the custody of the owner – the extent of the trouble for the day.  Overall a great day was had by all.  See you all next year with hopefully a QPS team to support!

 Article provided by Senior Constable Dave Rofe, Officer in Charge, Mount Perry Station