More than 6000 people converged on the Queensland central highlands town of Springsure, population 1100, to attend the Doin’ it for Dolly rodeo. Organised by locals Shannon Bleakley and her partner, Dan Roberts, the event was a response to the tragic suicide of 14-year-old Amy (Dolly) Everett in January this year. Supported by a team of more than 200 volunteers, the event program included all the thrills and spills of a regular rodeo, overlaid with the very serious message of working to prevent bullying in our schools and online. Speakers included 13-year-old Dakota Lee Shaw, a Miss Teen Diamond Australia entrant, who explained that one in four students aged between seven and 14 experiences bullying and 64 per cent of girls are cyber bullied at some stage in their school careers. Others lending their voices to the campaign included Dolly’s cousins, Jayde and Tori Powell, who encouraged the crowd “to speak even when your voice shakes”, Burrumbuttock Hay Runners founder Brendan Farrell and awareness volunteer coordinator Jen Korn. At the end of the day, the rodeo raised more than $175,000 for Dolly’s Dream Foundation, established by Dolly’s family and friends to combat bullying in all its forms. For more information go to facebook.com/dollysdreamaustralia.
More Like This
ISABELLA MONRO LIKES TO CAPTURE CANDID SHOTS OF LIFE AND WORK ON THE LAND. Isabella Monro grew up in Sydney and […]
From Aunt Beryl’s Cookbook WE COULD ALL DO WITH AN AUNT WITH THE WISDOM, GENEROSITY AND COOKING SKILLS OF AUNTY BERYL. […]
EXPECT TO ENCOUNTER BUFFALOS AND BULLDUST ON THE CENTRAL ARNHEM ROAD FROM KATHERINE TO THE REMOTE OUTPOST OF NHULUNBUY, IN THE […]
Why You’ll Love It: · Only $49.90/month, including free postage anywhere in Australia! · Each box is packed with goodies worth $93 -$130 · Surprise […]
Selecting a bathroom vanity is a defining moment in any renovation, acting as the primary intersection between essential storage and high-end […]
A drive through some of New Zealand’s North Island delivers spectacular natural and man-made wonders. Willie Huch is praying. It’s a […]
Close encounters with native animals and spectacular coastal scenery come with a side of fine local produce during a trip up […]
Discover how artists Rachel Burns and Ulan Murray create intricate copper sculptures from recycled wiring, embracing sustainable art practices on the […]
