JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
ITtS BEEN a long time since posties rode their distinctive red bikes – the non-motorised kind, at least – but two Geelong men will bring them back for a special ride.
Ben Sutherland and Phil Hunter aren’t posties, either, but have chosen the lumbering machines for their epic journey to Sydney in a bid for heightened awareness of family violence.
Ben and Phil, who both work for the Department of Justice and Regulation, will depart on the 1200-kilometre trek on 29 April.
Wisely, the pair will have a support crew along just in case the postie bikes decide to take an unscheduled break.
Inspired by a story of a man who rode from Sydney to England, Mr Sutherland said the use of the postie bikes would add “a real sense of achievement”.
The pair are collecting donations and raising funds for Minerva Community Services, a Geelong organisation providing vital support to women and children experiencing or escaping family violence. All proceeds will go toward funding an education program to prevent family violence at an early stage through the promotion of healthy relationships among young people.
“This ride is important to both of us and we’re very proud to support an organisation that can help reduce the instances of domestic violence in relationships from an early age,” Mr Hunter said.
Minerva chief Pauline Wright said the ride was an excellent opportunity to raise community awareness of issues contributing to family violence.
“Family violence is very much prevalent in our society and we want people to know that help is available,” Ms Wright said.
“Minerva is dedicated to offering support to women and children experiencing family violence, ranging from court support to access to high-security refuge accommodation.”
More information on the ride is available at facebook.com/pages/RIDE-Against-Family-Violence. Mr Sutherland and Mr Hunter said donors could use the word ’postie’ in the message box at givenow.com.au/minerva.
