Dametto gears up to ride again for charity

MEMBER for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto is once again preparing to ride a bucking bull at this year’s Ingham Sugar City Rodeo, September 11.

Mr Dametto said the 2019 charity bull ride was a huge success which raised $2,000 thanks to the community’s support and generosity of the Sugar City Rodeo Committee. This year will see the format change slightly where the local MP will go head-to-head with three riders, all putting their bodies on the line for a good cause.

“I’m pretty excited to get back on a bull – everyone missed the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo last year due to Covid-19 restrictions. I’m expecting to see a bumper crowds return to watch a bit of fun in the dirt and maybe a politician gored by a bull,” he chuckled.

“I must be mad to be doing this again, but it’s fantastic to see I won’t be doing it alone. The charity bull ride is expanding this year to four participants, it will be a race against the clock. I can’t believe they found three blokes willing to ride with me; we will all need to bring our A game if we have any chance of riding one of these bulls on the night.”

This year’s charity bull riders are as follows:

• Nick Dametto MP, State Member for Hinchinbrook, donating to Audrey’s Angels of Hope and riding in memory of Judy Reardon.  
• James Stevens, Auxiliary Captain Halifax, donating to Hinchinbrook Branch Queensland Blue Light.
• Jonty Collins-Furber, Machinery Operator Morton’s Earthmoving, donating to Ingham Palliative Care and riding in honour of close family friend Will Murdoch.
• Casey Costabeber, Therapy Assistant Optimise Health and Wellness, donating to Ingham Riding for Disabled Association Inc.

Organising Committee President Don Oswin said the Charity Bull Ride is a drawcard for the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo. People thoroughly enjoy seeing our Member for Parliament and locals take on the bulls, it’s a bonus to the event.

“We try to support locals and involve our local community groups as much as possible. This year we have approximately 15 market stalls and the majority are from the Hinchinbrook region,” he said.

The 2019’s Ingham Sugar City Rodeo saw the first charity bull ride; it was initiated to bring the community together to support local charities.

Mr Dametto said this year his share of the funds raised would once again be donated to Audrey’s Angels of Hope, a local charity that provides financial, emotional, and social support to cancer patients and their families.

The charity’s volunteers also work tirelessly to help people’s “bucket lists” become a reality.

“This year I will be riding in memory of Judy Reardon, who tragically passed away in a car accident on the Bruce Highway back in 2019,” Mr Dametto said.

Mrs Reardon was a big lovable personality; she had a heart of gold. Her work with Audrey’s Angels of Hope contributed significantly to our community by supporting cancer patients while on their cancer journey and in some cases through to their final days in Palliative Care, Judy also worked hard raising funds for the Halifax Ambulance Committee.

This year the total amount of cash donations will be split equally between the four riders.

Each rider will be able to donate their share to a local charity of their choice. Ingham Sugar City Rodeo will be donating an additional $500 to the rider with the best time. To donate to this year’s charity bull ride, please visit the GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/ingham-sugar-city-rodeo-2021-charity-bull-ride

Mr Dametto wished his fellow competitors all the very best and said he was looking forward to having a laugh with them all at the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo bar after the big ride.

Media Release from Caitlin Schofield – Assistant Electorate Officer & Media Adviser
Office of Nick Dametto MP – Member for Hinchinbrook