Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Zach Houtenville
Eleven runners from Hotel Pioneer Brandon took on the Paluma Ultra in cold, wet conditions, helping raise more than $3,500 for local suicide prevention charity CORES Queensland.
For the general manger of Pioneer Hotel Kirsten Belke, the idea started with a way to remember her partner Chris’s dad and let others know they could reach out for help.
“Initially it was about finding a way to honour my partner Chris’s dad and to let people know that it is ok to reach out for help,” she said.
“For us CORES being a local charity means the money stays in the community.”
CORES stands for Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide, with the charity providing suicide intervention training, helping people recognise when someone may be at risk and giving them the skills to respond.
All 11 runners followed a pilot vehicle through roadworks to reach Paluma, where rain and leeches awaited them on the trails.
“I was thrilled that everyone turned up,” Kirsten said.
“Honestly it was a pretty big ask as it was cold, raining and the leeches were out in force.”
Some of the notable runners included Cooper, placed 1st in his age group in the 6km event, while Julia also finished second in hers. And despite the wet conditions, some of the team crossed the finish line already talking about coming back next year.
Back in Brandon, locals backed the team by buying raffle tickets, joining in musical bingo and making donations, with the response taking the fundraiser past its original $2,000 target and then beyond the $3,000 goal the team set its sights on next.
“We raised just over $3500,” Kirsten said.
“Our initial goal was $2000 and we increased it to $3000 so we are thrilled with this result.”
After the run, she thanked the people who showed up for the team on the trails and at the pub.
“A huge thank you to our team of 11, all the people who bought raffle tickets, played musical bingo and donated money,” she said.
“Your support means the world.”
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