Bush kids raise thousands for charities with 19yo bike ride fundraiser

Once a year, traffic along the Flinders Highway at Prairie comes to a standstill as dozens of brightly colored pushbike riders cross the road, their wheels kicking up red dust. Prairie, a town of only 100 people, about 340 kilometers south-west of Townsville, hosts its annual bike-ride fundraiser, the Tour De Prairie, in its 19th year. The event, organized by Prairie State School, raises thousands of dollars for charities important to the community. Each year, students choose a charity, with previous donations going to Cows for Cambodia, Cancer Council, and the chemotherapy treatment room at Hughenden Hospital. This year, donations supported the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in memory of local boy Conall Wescott, who died in May from Gould syndrome. Conall's father, Hugh Westcott, highlighted the RFDS's critical role in his son's care, involving multiple flights to Townsville. The event includes rides of 7 kilometers to Railview cattle station, where participants play games and eat lunch. Michelle Fryer, a grazier supporting the cause since 2007, mentioned her daughter Alex, who died from cerebral palsy complications, and how the fundraiser began in her memory. The community effort includes parents, teachers, students, and tourists, with donations boosting participants' confidence in conversations. Ms. Fryer expressed hope the fundraiser continues for the children’s sake.