When paramedic Justin O’Connor went on a dirt bike trip to the desert to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, he did not expect he would actually need the service himself.
He was part of a 12-day trip with Wangaratta firefighters and their friends who have made a feature-length movie of their travels called Trek the Trak 5: On the Limit, which will premiere later this month.
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It is the fifth year the group has made a movie from its adventures, but the first time it has needed the service that benefits from the fundraising.
On day five of the trip, Mr O’Connor crashed his bike when riding on the remote Anne Beadall Highway, a sandy track between Coober Pedy in South Australia and Ilkurlka in Western Australia, breaking seven ribs and puncturing his lung.
The impact was made worse by landing on a UHS radio in his pocket.
“I just lost concentration and passed another bike and hit a tree,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Once you set out there, you realise how isolated you are.”
He continued trying to ride for two days before the pain became too much and the group used a satellite phone to call for help, gaining permission from a remote Aboriginal community to use its airstrip for the rescue.
The rescue is featured in the Trek the Trak movie, as well as plenty of action shots of the dirt bikes and four-wheel drives, plus the group’s trip to remote communities.
Wangaratta firefighter Carl Stibilj said last year’s movie raised more than $3000.
“Our ambition is to raise more and more each year,” he said.
He encouraged people to go along and see the movie or donate money to the cause by attending a fundraiser at Cafe Martini in Wangaratta on September 18 or by visiting www.trekthetrak.com.
The fundraiser on the Everyday Hero website has already reached $1226.
Mr Stibilj said Mr O’Connor’s crash demonstrated the value of the RFDS.
“He actually rode his bike the day after the accident then the day after he said ‘I’m feeling really crook boys’,” he said.
RFDS registered nurse Greg George said the not-for-profit group ran purely on donations.
He said it was wonderful to get support from firefighters in the Trek the Trak group.
“It just blows me away that these fellas during their normal work day can risk their lives for the community, then in their spare time can jump on dirt bikes in some of the most dangerous terrain for this cause,” he said.
Trek the Trak 5: On the Limit will be screened at the Wangaratta Cinema Centre on September 20 and October 4. To book call 5721 5555.
