Cleats on for cardiac care – meet our 2024 team
16 July 2024
5
min read
Our team of riders are excited to be returning to the heart of the Far North Queensland community to take on the annual QSuper Cardiac Challenge to help deliver vital medical equipment for cardiac units in the region.
Each September, the QSuper Cardiac Challenge unites participants from various walks of life to raise funds for a cause close to the heart of the Cairns community.
By saddling up to tackle the 333-kilometre trek from Cairns to Cooktown, each rider’s efforts support the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation in providing life-saving cardiac equipment to the region.
In our fourth year of being the major partner of the event, we are proud once again to see members from across Australian Retirement Trust (ART) join the 2024 challenge.
Meet our team:
David Brook, Senior Manager Products Superannuation
After riding last year for the first time, David is looking forward to upholding the annual Cardiac Challenge ride as a tradition with his father.
“My dad has been involved in it for over a decade and has been donating his time and trailer to support the local community,” he said.
After seeing how much of a difference the event makes, I knew I had to pick up the legacy from him.
“When I was there last year, a gentleman told the story of his own child being a cardiac baby. It makes it more ‘real’ when you get to know the people you’re supporting.”
April Smith, Member Education Officer
No stranger to the challenge, April is excited to be returning once more as a cyclist, after years of participating within the volunteers' team.
“When I first got involved as a volunteer, I saw all the riders and thought it was an incredible achievement to get on a bike and ride so many kilometres in the heat. I wanted to know what that felt like,” she said.
What’s not to love about an event that is designed to help save lives, bring a community together and surround you with people that tirelessly cheer you to go on? Sign me up!
“I’m looking forward to going back to be a part of the Cardiac Challenge community, to see old friends and make new ones.”
James Bridie, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Transitions
As the newest recruit to the QSuper cycling team, James is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to enjoy Northern Queensland’s exotic landscape on the open road.
“It’s my first multiday ride, so that’s nerve-wracking but also quite exciting. I’ve done triathlons in the past, but it’s been a couple of years since I’ve worked on my bike fitness,” he said.
It’s an amazing opportunity that just simply doesn’t come around in any other way.
“I’m sure my colleagues will pull me along with their enthusiasm, no matter how tired I get or how much I want to stop.”
Matthew Millwater, Senior Manager C&I Relationships
Matthew will be joining the Cardiac Challenge team for the second time and hopes to inspire his children to set goals and achieve great things.
“I’ve got a couple of young kids at home so I want to prove to them that if you give yourself a purpose and create some goals, you can accomplish some great achievements,“ he said.
It’s wonderful to see the whole town coming together and people even coming across the country to support the local hospital in Cairns.
“There’s something so special about being able to do something for a community that we’re not a part of. We may never see the benefit of it, but we know that it will change lives.“
Patrick Twomey, Head of Government and Regions
As a cycling enthusiast, Patrick isn’t intimidated by the long-distance ride. His real reward in the challenge is the camaraderie formed through achieving a shared goal.
“It’s not just about the money raised, but actually showing up and being a part of their community,“ he said.
It can be quite a vulnerable time for people. You end up building stronger connections with people when you’re doing it tough, and you need support.
“There is a real sense of we’ve got to get everyone across the line. You’re never on your own.“
Michael Huskisson, Regional Manager
After an eye-opening debut in the community last year, Michael is eager to return to the peloton to amplify impact in the region.
”Imagine having a child or family member that has a heart condition and the difference of knowing they’re just in Cairns Hospital, half an hour away, rather than a flight away in Brisbane,” he said.
It’s not until you experience this ride, that you understand the impact it has had on the community and how much it means to them.
”It’s inspiring to see an event that brings the community together like the Cardiac Challenge does. I feel proud to work for an organisation that supports people in such a way.”
Our partnership and support of the Cardiac Challenge enables 100% of funds raised to go directly into healthcare facilities in Far North Queensland.
From purchasing life-saving medical equipment to upgrading existing cardiac services, the challenge organisers, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, are improving access to life-saving care in rural and remote communities.
