Diabetes Tasmania’s PolliePedal ’12 has broken a fundraising record in the event’s history, so
far raising $48,505 for Tasmanians living with diabetes, with online donations still coming in.
Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells said despite the blistering weather conditions, this year’s
event was a huge success and would provide vital funds to the 44,000 Tasmanians with
diabetes.
“Every day another six Tasmanians are diagnosed with diabetes, which isn’t surprising when
you consider it is currently Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease,” Ms Wells said.
“With this in mind it’s very important that we continue to provide support and services, which
can help delay or prevent diabetes complications, increase life expectancy and reduce medical
expenses.”
Ms Wells said the event had once again attracted a diverse group of politicians, including Greg
Hall MLC, Vanessa Goodwin MLC, Hobart City Alderman Helen Burnett, Glamorgan-Spring Bay
Mayor Bertrand Cadart and Federal Liberal Candidate for Lyons Eric Hutchinson.
“Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten also showed his support hosting our media launch and
Break O’Day Mayor Sarah Schmerl was kind enough to officially launch the event on Friday,”
she said.
Among the pollie participants was former Senator Guy Barnett, who has type 1 diabetes and
now serves as Ambassador for both Diabetes Australia and Diabetes Tasmania.
“Mr Barnett was a catalyst for the flagship fundraiser and continues to show his support for the
event year after year,” Ms Wells said.
“PolliePedal commenced its partnership with Mr Barnett in 2006 and in that time has raised
over $305,000 to support the thousands of Tasmanians diagnosed with diabetes.”
Mr Barnett said it had been a challenging ride for the 21 participants, with the weather en
route hitting 38 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, coupled with a strong hot wind which made it
hard riding.
“Conditions made completing the 254 km ride all the more challenging, but we were rewarded
with several highlights, including a trip to Maria Island, a cruise with Wineglass Bay Cruises as
well as visits to St Mary’s District School, Bicheno Primary School and a senior citizens
community group in Bicheno,” Mr Barnett said.
“Everyone on the East Coast bent over backwards to make sure we had a marvellous time and
we did, so we’d all like to thank those people who came out to cheer us on, including the local
media.”
Ms Wells said PolliePedal ’12 would simply not have been the success it was without the
generous support of its sponsors.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to MAIB, Medibank Private,
Medtronic, Norgine, Novartis, IGA, Sanofi and Abbott Diabetes Care,” she said.
Diabetes Tasmania
