Townsville Hike and Explore plan record Paluma trek for NRL Cowboys House
Three intrepid trekkers plan to bush-whack their way through more than 100km of extreme terrain in a record-breaking journey to raise $10,000 for NRL Cowboys House.
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Three intrepid trekkers from Townsville Hike and Explore have announced an ambitious plan to bush-whack their way through more than 100km of extreme terrain in a record-breaking journey to raise $10,000 for NRL Cowboys House.
Michael Pugh, president of the popular Townsville-based club, said he would be joined by Wes Graffin and Sean Dromey in attempting the challenging 100km to 120km hike from the Paluma Range National Park to Bluewater.
The daunting 30-hour journey planned for the weekend of May 17 and 18, includes the 53 kilometre off-trail section along what is known as the ‘PRB Track’, a route Mr Pugh said was “a complete unknown and will be our biggest challenge”.
“It takes us from Paluma, all the way to Forestry Road in Bluewater and we will be hiking a good part of this section during the night, which has never been attempted before,” Mr Pugh said.
“We’ve really, really challenged ourselves for this one ... it’s an immense challenge ... it’s something that has never been attempted before.”
Mr Pugh, who along with Mr Graffin have previously raised $15,000 for Cancer Council Queensland during two previous treks, said the journey starting at Running River Gorge would progress to Hidden Valley and the Paluma township on Saturday morning.
“That’s the first roughly 30-odd kilometres along roads and fire trails and such, then that afternoon we are going to hit the PRB Track,” he said.
“That’s 53 kilometres of off-trail hiking during the evening, right through the most remote and densest parts of the national park … we are going to cut our way through that.”
Mr Pugh said the timing of the journey was not ideal given the recent flood disaster in North Queensland but they were still aiming to raise $10,000 for the Cowboys Community Foundation that runs Cowboys House for young Indigenous men and women from remote or disadvantaged regions attending school in Townsville.
He said donations could be made directly to the foundation through a dedicated link that has just gone live.
“We’ve chosen to raise funds for the Cowboys Community Foundation, specifically NRL Cowboys House, because of their commitment to providing educational opportunities and support for young Indigenous students from remote communities, which aligns with our group’s values of community support and empowerment.”
Mr Graffin, a refinery operator, said he was passionate about community service and the adventure was another way to give back.
“I have always loved the challenge of hiking, immersing myself in the great outdoors and at many times, testing my physical and mental limits and knowing it’s making a difference to others makes it even more enjoyable.”
Mr Dromey, a correctional officer who also runs a hiking group in Cairns, said “there’s no doubt this hike is daunting”.
“After witnessing the positive impact NRL Cowboys House has on young people and the greater community, the decision to join in was easy.”
He said the hike would not only raise essential funds but also raise “awareness about the importance of education and support for Indigenous youth”.
“We encourage everyone to support our cause and join us in making a difference.”
The expedition can be followed live HERE.
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Originally published as Townsville Hike and Explore plan record Paluma trek for NRL Cowboys House
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