Ride Against Domestic Violence
Statement
Hon Steve Martin (8:56 pm): I rise this evening to alert members to an important event that is coming up later this year on 16 November—that is, the Ride Against Domestic Violence, supported by Slater and Gordon. It is a 170-kilometre charity ride—not on motorbikes, but bicycles—around the Perth metropolitan area. My involvement in this was a brief conversation with Hon Dr Tony Buti as I passed him in the corridor. He waved a bit of paper at me and said, "Are you in for the bike ride?" I think I said, "Yeah—maybe."
I checked the website a couple of days ago to see how it was progressing. Alarmingly, there were photographs of some startlingly fit-looking people, including the Premier, Hon Roger Cook; of course, the aforementioned Dr Tony Buti; Daniel Stojanoski from Slater and Gordon; and Steve Catania MLA. There was also my photograph, so I am committed to the 170-kilometre charity ride, and I will be talking to individual members to get a massive donation for this very worthy cause.
To give a bit of background about the Ride Against Domestic Violence, it was the brainchild of the two Tonys, Tony Buti MLA and Hon Tony Simpson MLA—Labor and Liberal—in 2016. According to the website, the two Tonys shared a determination to use their influence to create an event that raised funds for family and domestic violence refuges facing high and rising demand for their services and to raise community awareness of the scourge of family and domestic violence. Members and President, in the years that have passed since 2016, the need for raising awareness and raising funds has obviously grown. Therefore, Tony roped me in to this 170-kilometre bike ride.
When he mentioned the length of the ride, I assumed it would be down to Rockingham and back, and possibly a nice flat ride. There is a map of the route and, even more alarmingly, of its elevation. The route does go up to the Perth hills, so it is going to take us a while! In the frequently asked questions, I got some more information about how far the peloton will ride. It is 170 kilometres. There is some important information about what support will be provided to the riders. There will be an experienced rider leading the peloton and a support team member with first aid knowledge—perfect! The important bit for members is that all donations over $2 are tax deductible and the tax receipt will be provided et cetera. I will be reaching out, members. If members see a fairly elderly member of Parliament wearing some saggy lycra getting in some practice rides during the luncheon interval, they will know what is going on, in the lead-up to 16 November. I would urge all members to support this very important cause and give richly to the Ride Against Domestic Violence.
