Bowen police dominate Whitsundays’ charity race

Improving the lives of families forced into crisis accommodation was front of mind for Mackay and Whitsunday officers as they competed in a gruelling charity race.

Whitsundays police officers have pushed their bodies to the limit in a long-distance charity race raising funds for domestic violence support services.

Twelve teams representing police stations across the Mackay Whitsunday region took on the inaugural running of the Whitsundays’ Toughest Race at the Conway Circuit, or Great Whitsunday Walk with competitors from as far away as Dysart and Moranbah.

Police officers from across the Mackay Whitsunday district get ready to run the inaugural Whitsundays' Toughest Race. Photo: Supplied.

It was Bowen that dominated the field, with teams finishing in first, second and fourth place.

But it was not all about winning.

Proserpine police officer in charge Sergeant Mark Flynn organised the event as a fundraiser for the Whitsunday Counselling Service, based in Cannonvale.

He presented a large donation of brand new toys and other gifts to the service last week, explaining it is a vital resource for police when supporting victims of domestic violence in the Whitsunday region and the provision of crisis accommodation is an essential part of that service.

“All funds generated from Whitsundays Toughest Race were kindly matched by local law firm Whitsunday Law, enabling the purchase of gifts for children forced into crisis accommodation,” Sgt Flynn said.

“Staff from Big W Whitsunday then had the fun job of shopping for toys along with a care package for mums, kindly donated by Big W Whitsunday and Live Life Pharmacy Whitsunday.”

Sgt Flynn thanked the crew from SES Proserpine for helping throughout the race, which was so tough it took some competitors more than nine hours to complete.

Next year’s event promises to be bigger and better, and proceeds will continue to go to domestic violence support services.