Trek and truck raise $35,000

What do a pink haul truck, a group of Clermont women and the Kokoda Trail have in common? They’ve all played a part in raising $35,000 for breast cancer research.

In late October six Clermont women known as the “Kokoda Chicks”, including three from Blair Athol Mine, went on a gruelling 10 day trek along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.

Blair Athol Mine production training coordinator Elle Bray, one of the “chicks”, said despite the aching muscles, the journey was well worth it.

“Each of us who went on the trek has been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer,” Elle said.

“We decided to pay homage to the women who have lost their lives from this terrible disease by walking the Kokoda Trail and used the event to raise money for and awareness of breast cancer.”

Elle said the trek was a fantastic experience, full of female bonding and camaraderie.

“Our guide provided an excellent commentary about the history behind the Kokoda Trail, making it a very enriching, exciting experience,” Elle said.

“The Clermont community, local businesses, our colleagues, family and friends were all so generous in their donations and we thank them for their support.”

Meanwhile, back in Queensland, Blair Athol Mine’s new pink haul truck has become a regular fixture on the haul roads.

“Everyone at our mine was impressed by the effort and determination of the “Kokoda Chicks” and they wanted to be loud and proud about their support,” Blair Athol Mine production manager Wayne Johnson said.

“DPSA Engineering kindly donated the paint to turn the normally white haul truck bright pink in support of the women.

“I hear the Kokoda Chicks have raised more than $35,000, which is a tremendous effort and remarkable achievement.”

Money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to research, and ultimately find a cure for, breast cancer.

Pictured: (above, back l-r) Blair Athol Mine's Candice McDonald, Vicki Lund, Sally Bailey, Raelene Schauble, Denise Lewis, (front l-r) Blair Athol Mine's Jamie Schauble and Elle Bray.

Pictured: (above) Blair Athol Mine's pink truck on the way to collect its first load.

Pictured: Blair Athol Mine's Jamie Schauble.

Pictured: (above) Blair Athol Mine's Candice McDonald.

Pictured: (above) The "Kokoda Chicks".