12 September 2024
Just two months after its reformation, 28 Squadron conducted its first major event for personnel in the Canberra region.
The 12-hour Concept2 bike charity event on August 22 raised about $6659 for Soldier On, which supports current serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The fundraiser was the idea of 28 Squadron physical training instructor Corporal Aaron Evans, who wanted to support Soldier On and the health and wellbeing of personnel, as well as encourage integration across Canberra-based groups and services.
“I believe in the work Soldier On are doing for former members of Defence and their families,” Corporal Evans said.
More than 300 personnel in 16 teams across Defence participated, displaying endurance, teamwork and determination.
Air Force participants ranged from aircraftmen and officer cadets through to Air Force leader’s Air Vice-Marshals Harvey Reynolds and Wendy Blyth and Air Commodore Benjamin Sleeman.
Together, the participants covered 4756km across the 12-hour period – a distance greater than the drive from Canberra to Darwin.
A barbeque lunch put on by 28 Squadron chaplains enabled participants to socialise and refuel while they rested.
Commanding Officer 28 Squadron Wing Commander Esther Roberts was thrilled by the overwhelming support for the event and proud of the work the squadron put in to make it a success.
“I look forward to this being an annual event the squadron runs for groups and services in the Canberra region,” Wing Commander Roberts said.
'I believe in the work Soldier On are doing for former members of Defence and their families.'
Pedalling kicked off at 6.00am with a spectacular sunrise as participants started cycling.
The winning team from the Australian Signals Directorate accrued 393km over the 12 hours.
Teams ‘Minimum Viable Cyclists’ and ‘Wheely Tyred!’ tied for most creative team name.
The AIR6500 team took second place with only four members rotating through cycling shifts, and came prepared with a BYO rest and recovery set up that included a gazebo, air mattress and foam rollers.
Flight Lieutenant Raoul Raymond, a logistics officer with AIR6500, was one of his team’s four cyclists.
“[We’re just] a couple of ordinary fellas doing their best in a small team for a good cause,” he said.
All teams put in a huge effort in support of the event.
Flight Lieutenant Ethan Phipps from Chief of Personnel (Personnel Branch – Air Force) clocked a three-hour shift totalling 81km for his team.
Army Headquarters physical training instructors also supported the event and jumped on the bike with the Army team, which broke up their cycling into four-hour blocks. Team members expressed pride in representing Army and were keen to participate again next year.
