Pollies pedalling for the Poche Centre

This year’s Pollie Pedal is raising funds for the Medical School’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. The Hon Tony Abbott, Opposition spokesman on Indigenous Affairs, is leading a pack of dedicated riders out of Brisbane on April 27, expected to arrive in Sydney on May 5.

Cyclists will wind their way from Brisbane, via Lismore, Grafton, Dorrigo, Armidale, Walcha, Gloucester, Cessnock, Brooklyn to finish at the University of Sydney.

Money raised will fund scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and will be administered through the Poche Centre.

The major sponsor for the ride is Amgen, which has donated $60,000.

“Amgen Australia is proud to continue its association with the Pollie Pedal and to be able to support the valuable work of the Poche Centre,” said Ian Thompson, Chief Executive of Amgen.

“The Pollie Pedal is a considerable physical and mental challenge, that makes completing the task and raising the money for the Poche Centre all the more special. That the ride will take us to visit some of the folk who will benefit from the fund raising and awareness raising effort makes the event even more rewarding.”

Other supporters are Norgine, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, and Macquarie Foundation.

Poche Centre website

Pollie Pedal 2009 blog