Fitness at its Breast
O
n 18 to 20 May the Great Wheelbarrow Race will be
celebrating its 15th year! The race participants raise
funds for charities and local clubs by pushing a wheelbarrow
140km from Chillagoe to Mareeba. This year the race will be
starting in Chillagoe with the first leg on Day 1 - Chillagoe to
Almaden, Day 2 - Almaden to Dimbulah, Day 3 - Dimbulah
to Mareeba. There are a number of different categories for
individuals and teams. Nominations close Monday 7 May.
Mareeba locals Susie Alba and Mara Rooks are ready for this
year's annual Great Wheelbarrow Race.
The dynamic duo Fitness at its Breast will run from Chillagoe
to Mareeba to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer
Network Australia (BCNA).
In 2014, Susie was diagnosed with hormone receptor positive
breast cancer and underwent surgery, radiotherapy and
chemotherapy. Susie said she feels like she needs to give
something back to help others. "I have seen many of friends
for more information visit
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diagnosed and treated for this disease and sadly some have
lost the battle," she said.
"We want to raise as much money as we can for this
organisation which helps so many affected by the disease
every year. BCNA continues to work towards helping people
affected by breast cancer access the best information,
treatment, care and support," she said.
Participating in her fifth race, Mara said she is looking
forward to completing the race as a duo. "Susie and I both
like to keep fit, are determined and like setting ourselves new
challenges," she said.
"The community spirit and comradery along the way is
amazing and we can't wait to see everyone as we come into
Mareeba on the last day. Furthermore we love to help others
and why not combine fitness with fundraising and raise
funds for such a worthy cause," Mara added.
Coffee Love in Chillagoe
B
efore the Great Wheelbarrow Race you may need a little caffeine boost
or sweet slice to get you going. For the best barista coffee in the west,
pop in and see the lovely Laura at Chillagoe Gallery 29. This little treasure of a
shop has been open for 12 months and serves coffee, slices and quirky one-
off gifts. You'll find local cut and polished marble, cheese boards, coasters,
jewellery boxes, teapot stands and more. There's even a laudromat next door.
A local of 16 years, Laura loves the laidback lifestyle that Chillagoe offers. "I
enjoy the peace and quiet and the big open skies" she says. "Since I opened
Chillagoe Gallery 29, the best thing has been meeting so many interesting
people and listening to their stories. It's also nice to be able to share this
special part of the world with them".
Laura is very welcoming and enjoys a good chat with everyone who visits. It's
this warm welcome that brings you back. Some of her regulars even pop in
for a ukelele jam session. Laura also invites you to bring your own picnic and
enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the garden with the birds – no better way to
stay cool and chill – there's no need to rush in Chillagoe.
2 What’s On & Where To Go May 2018