Get red-dy for another bright display as supporters hit the road for this year’s Moreton Bay Red Ride on Saturday, 18 May. Now in its fourth year, the ride is all about standing up against domestic violence in our community and beyond. For those who hit the road, not only will you get to take in the many beautiful sights in and around the City of Moreton Bay, but this year’s event is going to be brighter and bigger than previous years, with the addition of a family fun day component for all ages.
These days we are hearing about domestic violence more and more. Knowing it was so prevalent and wanting to make a difference was a big part of why the Red Ride came about. Red Ride committee member Randall Macey has been involved now for the last three years and enjoys the opportunity to be a part of such an important event.
“The initial idea for the ride came from the Rotary Club of Caboolture, particularly Riana Botha and Chris Sharp - sadly Chris passed away several months before last year’s ride - and also Councillor Tony Latter,” Randall explains.
“Initially Red Ride was about a motorbike ride showing solidarity against domestic violence. The sea of red procession down Morayfield Road and the Ted Smout Bridge is a very visual show of solidarity. The colour red was chosen because of its impact. We wanted to make an impact and highlight that domestic violence is NOT OKAY in our beautiful community. The aim of Red Ride is to raise awareness of domestic violence in our community and to raise funds for not-for-profit organisations that support individuals and families who are impacted by domestic violence.”
This year’s Red Ride event begins at 7am with breakfast/coffee and time for a chat at the Caboolture Showground. Stands will go up at 8.30am with the procession heading from the showground to Caboolture Sports Club before making its way to Redcliffe and regrouping in the Humpybong Yacht Club car park. From there, the ride will go towards Brendale, out to Dayboro and up Mt Mee Road where photographers will be capturing all the action so make sure you smile and wave. Once riders are back out on the D’Aguilar Highway, they will head towards the final stop at the showground.
Last year was the first year the Red Ride included a car show and now it’s about including even more fun for the family.
“We tried a few things last year but we knew we had to go bigger,” Randall says. “This year we have added a family fun day to the event with live music, super slide, rock climbing wall, face painting, balloon twisting, giant Jenga and much more.
“With another major sponsor, Supreme Community Care on board, this has given us the opportunity to make it a free event for the kids. Yes, a free event! We will have boxes/buckets around, so do feel free to drop a gold coin into one of these as the money goes to our not-for-profit domestic violence charities we support. The kids need a happy day so this is our way of helping.”
“We wanted to make an impact and highlight that domestic violence is NOT OKAY in our beautiful community.”
So what is it about the Red Ride that makes it special to Randall?
“For me, it’s all about helping the community in any way possible to put smiles on people’s faces. With smiles it helps ease daily pains and takes their minds off things for a little while, that's why I do this,” Randall says. “I also really love to dress my bike and fly these flags, raising money and helping people is what this is all about. I don't like domestic violence and I will help where I can with the skills I have.”
This year the big focus is on families and the provision of information, particularly in relation to coercive control and where individuals and families can get help. The Domestic Violence Prevention Council is on board this year and Vanessa Fowler will be giving a presentation on domestic and family violence and coercive control. Vanessa is the sister of the late Allison Baden-Clay and is Chair of the Board of Directors of The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation.
Red Ride would not be possible without the support of the Caboolture Sports Club, who have been the platinum sponsor for the past four years.
“We would also like to send a big thank you to the working committee including Tony Latter, Kathleen Fitter, Leah and Duncan Campbell and Darren Marshall,” Randall says. “Without these guys, we have no event.
“We encourage everyone to spread the word. You can be a part of the ride or just come along for the family fun day, remember to bring your smiles and dress to impress by wearing red! Red is the colour of the day so dress your bike, your pillion, your car and yourself in red. We have flags to purchase, so let them fly free on your bikes. We also have prizes for best bike in five categories, so it will be fun for all the kids to see a sea of red.”
For further information, please visit redride.org or follow Red Ride on Facebook.