Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Cardiac Challenge took place last month, on 16 September. It was a three-day bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown. It's a mission deeply rooted in personal and community stakes. For Jo Piggott this mission begun at a young age watching her mother battle rheumatic fever, undergo two open-heart surgeries and rely on a pacemaker. I'm elated to share with the House that Jo and her team, Your Tribe Australia, shattered their fundraising goal, raising an astonishing $17,032 and still counting. These funds will provide invaluable support for vital cardiac services in our community. It was a colossal effort by all, featuring 180 cyclists backed up with over 100 volunteers, which aptly shows what can be accomplished when a community unites for a shared cause.

If Jo's fundraising and biking escapades are not enough, Jo has recently been honoured by the Cairns Regional Council with the 2023 International Women's Day Woman of the Year Award. It is clear that her impact is not going unnoticed, so I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Jo Piggott and everyone involved in this initiative. We're going to be looking forward to supporting her team in next year's 2024 Cardiac Challenge.