‘Mad’ MP ready to ride
HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto is again taking the bull by the horns to raise money for charity at this year’s Ingham Sugar City Rodeo.
Mr Dametto said the 2019 charity bull ride was a huge success and raised $2000 thanks to the community’s support and generosity of the Sugar City Rodeo Committee.
This year the format will change slightly with the local MP going 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,” the intrepid Katter’s Australian Party politician said.
“I’m expecting to see bumper crowds return to watch a bit of fun in the dirt and maybe a politician gored by a bull.”
Mr Dametto said he was “mad to be doing this again” on September 11, but his spirits were buoyed by the fact he would not be going it alone.
“The charity bull ride is expanding this year to four participants, it will be a race against the clock,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Dametto has selected Audrey’s Angels of Hope as his designated charity, riding in memory of Judy Reardon who was killed in a horror
car smash on the Bruce Highway.
Other participants included Captain James Steven of the Halifax Fire Service Auxiliary crew (Hinchinbrook Branch Queensland Blue), Morton’s Earthmoving machinery
operator Jonty Collins-furber (Ingham Palliative Care and riding in honour of close family friend Will Murdoch) and Optimise Health and Wellness therapy assistant Casey Costabeber (Ingham Riding for Disabled Association).
Organising Committee president Don Oswin said the Charity Bull Ride was a drawcard for the rodeo.
“We try to support locals and involve our local community groups as much as possible,” he said.
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.