4 Aussie Heroes to host charity ride and dinner in Toowoomba

Charity supporting traumatised Australian veterans and first responders is planning on rolling into town later this year for major charity bike ride and dinner.

AUSSIE HEROES: Riders taking on the 4 Aussie Heroes Pedals 'n Medals charity bike ride in 2019. The charity ride is coming through the Darling Downs for the first time this year with a charity dinner at the City Golf Club to raise money for Australian veterans and first responders with PTSD. Pictures: Contributed

A team of passionate Lycra-clad charity cyclists are riding into town later this year to help combat post traumatic stress disorder experienced by Australian veterans and first responders.

“This is out fifth year, but it will be our first time holding the two day charity ride in the Darling Downs,” 4 Aussie Heroes co-founder Gerry Garard said.

Gerry Garard is the co-founder of 4 Aussie Heroes, a charity organisation helping veterans and first responders with PTSD.

Launched in March 2019 by the Vietnam vet and his dual Olympic gold medallist wife, former Hockeyroo captain Renita Garard (nee Farrell), the organisation raises funds to send PTSD affected army and emergency services personnel on a 12-day counselling session called Triumph Over Trauma.

Renita Garard OAM co-founded the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation alongside her husband.

The mental health program is a one of a kind in Australia and has helped about 50 people face their demons, bringing dozens of traumatised vets and first responders back from the edge of suicide.

“The World Health Organisation has warned mental ill-health is expected to be the largest burden of disease in the developed world by the year 2030,” Mr Garard said.

“Our Triumph Over Trauma rehabilitation and educational programs are unique because they allow past and present military and first responded personnel who are suffering and struggling with PTSD and related mental health issues seek long term help alongside their partners and spouses who are also usually struggling along with them.”

Riders taking on the 4 Aussie Heroes Pedals 'n Medals charity bike ride in 2019.

A former Toowoomba resident, Mr Garard said he was looking forward to bringing the charity ride through the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley this October.

“The Pedals ‘n Medals ride is a challenging 300 kilometre two-day ride for serious bike riders who train with large hills and 10,000 foot climbs,” he said.

“This year’s ride will feature a number of Toowoomba riders including the well-known Southey brothers.”

Sam Southey is a three time national motocross champion and Mr Garard said he is already in training for the charity bike ride and encourages all good riders to consider registering for the event.

Toowoomba motocross legend Sam Southey back in 2006. Photo: Aaron Francis

Meanwhile, experienced peloton rider, Ben Southey has ridden in all five of the 4 Aussie Heroes’ Pedals ‘n Medals rides to date and is already concentrating on his fundraising for this year’s.

“This is a great cause, deserving of full support from the locals,” Mr Southey said.

“While the Pedals ‘n Medals ride is not for the faint-hearted, I do want to encourage Toowoomba residents, particularly those with family and friends who have served in the military or police, ambulance and fire services, to get tickets to Saturday’s community dinner

on Saturday, October 16 at the City Golf Club.”

Police officers Brittany Poulton, Catherine Nielsen, Scott Hill and Stephen Barlow accept their Bravery Awards at Government House. Picture: Peter Wallis

He said Toowoomba Senior Constable Cathy Nielsen, the policing partner of slain police officer Senior Constable Brett Forte is a proud supporter of the 4 Aussie Heroes charity and will be attending and dinner.

“Cathy knows only too well the traumatic experiences that confront police officers regularly and has been a loyal supporter of our Triumph over Trauma program ever since we launched our first one two and a half years ago,” he said.
Inquiries for the ride and attendance at the dinner can be made by phoning Mr Garard on 0418 735 257 or emailing [e-mail].