“The determination and strong teamwork was so hum-
bling and as I was sweeping at the back and could see 5
or 6 girls in front of me carving their way through the
dunes it was a special feeling. So proud of everyone,” she
finishes.
There’s little doubt that these women achieved some-
thing special and have inspired many others to do some-
thing similar. They all believe that everyone can reach
targets, achieving goals … of riding across the Simpson
Desert. Yet one thing comes to the fore …
Always stand up and speak, even when your voice
shakes.
Dolly’s Dream is an anti-bullying initiative setup by Tick and Kate
Everett after their 14-year-old daughter, Amy (Dolly) took her own
life after sustained bullying.
Dolly’s Dream objectives are to increase awareness about
bullying and young people; prevent bullying and cyber bullying in
Australian schools; educate parents about bullying, and advocate
governments.
In the first 12 months, Dolly’s Dream partnered with the
Queensland and Northern Territory governments to provide over
$400,000 in funding for eSmart Schools, Digital Licences and
Connect workshops within regional Queensland and the Northern
Territory.
Dolly’s Dream contributed to the Queensland Government’s
Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce and lobbying saw the introduction of
Dolly’s Law in NSW – imposing tougher penalties for cyber bullies.
The first Do It For Dolly Day in May 2019 saw thousands of people
across the country dress in blue, share the #bekind message and
hold fundraisers.
Through their work in anti-bullying, the Everett’s were named
2019 Australian of the Year Local Heroes. They say they are ‘just
ordinary bush folk who would much rather be moving cattle than
being in the spotlight.’
Greater information on Dolly’s Dream and the work they are
doing can be found at dollysdream.org.au
They believe ‘everyone should be allowed to be their beautiful,
unique self without being bullied! And think everyone should be
allowed to stand out and be celebrated, rather than pushed down.’
Information on how to support the All Women Simpson Desert
Crossing can be found on their Facebook page or link in the logo.
Raising more than $23,000 for Dolly’s Dream, the All Women
Simpson Desert Crossing team look to make this unique ride an
annual event. They say they ‘have shown what is possible when
a group of unique individuals unites and dedicates themselves to
reaching a common goal ...’
TRAVERSE 14