TRAVERSE Issue 19 - August 2020 | Page 117

“We were heartened to see the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team literally go the extra mile straight after the first races of the season to immerse themselves in the impacted areas and provide a very welcome boost to those who battled so hard through that dreadful situation during the fires,” Pawah said. “The fact that Tom, Eugene, Marc and Shaun did not hesitate for a second when deciding to do this tour shows that they share our spirit and sincere desire to be part of the extensive relief efforts.” BMW Group Australia has plans in place to continue raising funds for bushfire victims including the auctioning of the BMW GS helmets worn by Sykes and Laverty during the tour for charity. Those regions devasted by the bushfires of 2019/20 were then deeply affected by the government enforced shutdowns due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it meant greatly needed support and funds brought via tourism and travellers was cut short, communities were again stranded. The recovery was made tougher as the world’s collective consciousness was turned toward fighting a disease. As we move out of travel restrictions and lockdowns, Australia’s bushfire affected regions are reopening and desperately encouraging all travellers to pay a visit; buying a beer, a meal, fuel or just chatting with a local does have a strong impact and can help greatly in the recovery. TRAVERSE TRAVERSE 117