The Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Jos Middleton accepts a $5,000 donation from Weipa Running Festival committee members to help support the delivery of mental health services in the region. Photo: Supplied.
Long after the early morning start, pumping hearts and sore legs have worn off, participants of the 2024 Weipa Running Festival (WRF) are continuing to have a positive impact on mental health services on Cape York.
In September, WRF made a $5,000 donation to the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) mental health team, by way of a $5-per-participant pledge, after party games and participant donations.
The fund, which was requested to stay local, is now being used to help fit out a mental health space in Kowanyama.
RDFS Far North mental health manager Jos Middleton said it was always touching when the local community got involved to help out.
“It is so great – RFDS is always very grateful for all donations,” she said.
“These donations from the WRF are extra special, as the committee asked that these funds stay local and within the RFDS mental health and wellbeing program of Cape York.”
Ms Middleton said their previous donation helped bring the facilities in Weipa to life, and they were now able to do the same for Kowanyama.
“This year, we have secured a new wellbeing room in Kowanyama, so these donations are helping us finish off the furnishing of those rooms,” she said.
“Creating therapeutic healing spaces for our clients to come to goes a long way [in] supporting their mental health.
“Our offices have such a welcoming feel; we find clients drop in for a yarn and a cold glass of water, which is a great way to stay connected and offer brief interventions.”
