By Erle Levey
There was an even bigger field of riders for the third annual Jayson Robertson Memorial Ride at Curra on Saturday.
The Bonnybrooke Stud was looking a picture as late arrivals came through the gate to join those who had already saddled up.
As well as remembering Jayson’s life, the ride was about raising money and awareness for young people at risk.
Organiser Renee Kelso said the ride was in memory of Jayson, who tragically lost his life in 2020.
“He used to ride horses and loved the farm, loved the rural atmosphere and campfires and everything else that goes with it,“ she said.
Each year the money raised goes towards a program helping young people.
This year it was donated to Oz Adventures: Operation Hard Yakka, a military-style youth diversion training program operating out of Hervey Bay.
“What an amazing day we had,’’ Renee said.
“From Reptiles 2U sharing her snakes and lizards, to pony rides, and even pony painting from Rebalance Equine.’’
There was whip cracking, sack races and dancing into the night.
The 57 riders and supporters raised $4294.45. That is a massive $1195.15 more than 2022.
“We are so honoured for everyone’s love and support for the Hard Yakka program,’’ Renee said.
Operation Hard Yakka’s Cameron Gee said the program aimed to instil key concepts that would allow young men to deal with everyday issues and gain discipline, self-respect and many more beneficial skills.
“The program has been going for more than 13 years under Bob Davis and family from Susan River, between Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
“He started in 1989 as a help-for-jobs program but then decided to turn it into youth areas.
“Hard Yakka is a development program to help young men gain the skills they need to be productive members of society.
“It’s not a boot camp. Sometime they are just missing guidance.
“Bob was a long-serving military member so we use the skills developed there for team building, following rules, making sure everyone in the team is OK.
“It gives a baseline for working again and for their family.
“If they can work as a team here, they can work anywhere.
“The program doesn’t end with us. We can always help families with guidance.’’
The social ride for Jayson included a trek through the Curra Forestry, with a choice of a 10km or 20km rides.
The event was again sponsored by many generous local businesses.
