8 May 2025
A donation of $1000 will keep the wheels turning on the Brighter Lives buggy and brighten the lives of locals in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
Australian Army soldiers of the 3rd Brigade’s 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), continued their support to Brighter Lives Townsville with a donation of $1000 and custom-made donation tins to the foundation during a visit to the Townsville University Hospital.
Corporal Connor Dawson said the 3rd Battalion Pipes and Drums enjoyed visiting patients and staff to play music, and mirror what the Brighter Lives team works towards.
“We are so glad to have been able to help Brighter Lives and we’re honoured to contribute to Brighter Lives and the incredible work they do for patients and families across North Queensland,” Corporal Dawson said.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said she was incredibly proud to be a part of the largest garrison city community in Australia, and proud to partner with 3RAR.
“Brighter Lives is so grateful to 3RAR for their initiative, generosity and community spirit,” Ms Naunton said.
“The new donation tins for our hospital transport buggies will make a real difference in supporting the buggy service, and their ongoing fundraising efforts are truly inspiring.
“We're so honoured that 3RAR, who do so much for the local community, partner with us at Brighter Lives to be able to give back to the patients of the Townsville University Hospital.”
While playing music and bringing joy to those in the hospital was a way to help, Corporal Dawson and nine of his mates from 3RAR would take on a more physical challenge, to raise funds and awareness for the Brighter Lives Foundation.
“I think our biggest contribution this year will be running the Great Wheelbarrow Race, a three-day journey from Mareeba to Chillagoe, running while pushing a wheelbarrow for a distance of 140km,” he said.
“Last year we had a team of six participate so it got a bit spicy; it’ll be great to have the team of 10 this year.”
The race was first held in 2007, as a tribute to the early pioneers from the late 1800s. The miners travelled around the region using a wheelbarrow to carry their possessions, with the road between the townships of Mareeba and Chillagoe dubbed ‘the wheelbarrow way’. The race is on from May 9-11.
To donate to the 3RAR team and Brighter Lives, visit www.givenow.com.au/cr/brighterlives3rar
