VROOM! VROOM! Mayor On A Motorbike! Burdekin Mayor Joins The Scootaville Charity Ride

Last week, a charity journey across Australia made its way through the Burdekin, where the local community came together to show their support. This thrilling ride has taken participants on the adventure of a lifetime, all in the name of raising funds for a worthy cause.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort joined the organisers for a short ride, donning a bike helmet to show her solidarity.
Continued on page 3.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort joined the Scootaville organisers for a ride when they came to the Burdekin last week. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

A Journey Across Australia Comes To The Burdekin

‍

What began as a casual conversation between two friends over drinks in 2014 has blossomed into a full-fledged charitable movement called "Scootaville."

The initial idea was simple but bold: to ride across the Nullarbor Plain on 50cc scooters.

However, the small scooters struggled with the vast distances, and the event faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But in 2022, Scootaville came back stronger, with upgraded 110cc scooters, completing a successful ride from Brisbane to Townsville via Emerald.

The event raised over $25,000 for Legacy, and future plans include a run through New South Wales in November and expansion to Victoria next year, with a goal to make Scootaville a nationwide event by 2027.

At the heart of Scootaville's mission is a commitment to supporting Legacy, a charity that assists families of veterans. The cause is close to the hearts of the event’s organisers, all ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

Legacy provides vital services to those who have lost their lives, suffered poor health due to their service, or are homeless. The shared experience of military service fuels Scootaville’s dedication to making each ride count—not just for fun, but for making a tangible difference in veterans’ lives.

Community engagement is crucial to Scootaville's success. Months before each event, organisers meet with Returned and Services League (RSL) clubs, local councils, and businesses to ensure widespread participation. These efforts make it possible for local events and gatherings to unfold seamlessly as part of the ride.

Organising an event like Scootaville is not without its challenges. From planning routes to coordinating with multiple communities, it requires months of preparation—about three months for each event. However, the strong support from participants and local communities has helped overcome these obstacles. This dedication to the cause is what keeps the event moving forward, year after year.

Looking ahead, the future of Scootaville is filled with promise. The ultimate goal is to expand the event to every Australian state by 2027, bringing even more riders and supporters into the fold. To help achieve this, organisers are encouraging the public to visit their website, which is hosted by the Radschool Association Inc —a group of radio engineers. Donations can be made through the site, and anyone interested in joining future rides is encouraged to reach out directly. The more riders they have, the bigger the impact they can make for Legacy.

Scootaville is more than just a scooter ride across Australia—it’s a movement of people united by adventure, camaraderie, and a desire to support a noble cause. With each year, the event grows in size and impact, and as it expands across the nation, it continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

To support Scootaville or get involved, visit their website or contact the organizers on 0414 359 173. Together, the participants and communities are riding toward a brighter future, one scooter ride at a time.

‍

Scootaville participants arrive in the Burdekin and are greeted with a warm welcome. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

‍