BMA RIVER 2 REEF RIDE UNVEILS EMERGING YOUTH ARTIST AND DONATES $40,000 TO LOCAL GROUPS
MACKAY, QLD – The 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is set to roll into Mackay on 6 and 7 September, bringing a weekend of cycling excitement, community spirit, and fundraising success. With registrations opening on Thursday 3 April, cyclists of all levels are invited to take part in the much-anticipated event, which continues to make a meaningful impact both on and off the track.
Youth Artists, Event Sponsors, BMA CQ Rescue, Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay (DSRM) and School representatives.
PHOTO BY DEANNE WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY
Shirley Bell (BMA) and Abigail Preston (Whitsunday Anglican School).
PHOTO BY DEANNE WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY
Celebrating young creative talent, the 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride jersey will showcase the winning design by youth artist Abigail Preston of Whitsunday Anglican School. Abigail’s design was selected from an impressive pool of entries, earning her not only the honour of having her artwork worn by over 500 cyclists but also a $500 cash prize.
This year’s runner-up is Bentley Mcloughlin of Clontarf Foundation Mackay Academy at Mackay State High School winning $250 and third-place Oliver Galletly of Whitsunday Anglican School taking home $100.
The 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride festival raised an incredible $40,000 for BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay (DSRM). Over the past three years, the annual event has generated more than $100,000 to support these vital community services, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to making a difference.
Krystal (DSRM), Shirley Bella (BMA) and Peter Sumptor (DSRM)
PHOTO BY DEANNE WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY
Linda Murry, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, highlighted the company’s ongoing support.
“BMA is proud to continue our partnership with River 2 Reef Ride, now in it’s 4th year, an event that not only encourages fitness and fun but also directly benefits vital local organisations. Seeing the community come together each year for such a fantastic cause is truly inspiring.”
Cyclists are now invited to sign up for this year’s action-packed weekend, featuring a range of rides for all ages and abilities:
· Saturday, 6 September:
o Criterium Race
o Family-friendly Golding Kids Colour Ride
· Sunday, 7 September:
o 30km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash
o 60km City Fitness Epic
o 100km Kaeser Compressors Gran Fondo
Shay Fagg (BMA CQ Rescue), Shirley Bella (BMA) and Kirra Penny (BMA CQ Rescue)
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a weekend rider, the 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is an event not to be missed. Registrations open on 3rd April – sign up and be part of a cycling celebration that makes a difference!
Photo credits: Deanne Woods | Deanne Woods Photography
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Selena Corness | BMA River 2 Reef Ride Event Manager | E: info@river2reefride.com | M: 0466 590 151