A 43-day cycling journey of 5400km across state borders to raise awareness about domestic violence is no mean feat but it’s exactly what Ian Kidd has embarked on in a fundraising push which will see him arrive in Broken Hill and Wilcannia early next month.
Mr Kidd set off on his cycling odyssey on April 3 from the most westerly point of Australia, Exmouth, and he aims to complete the ride by May 13 in the most easterly point, Byron Bay.
He’ll stay in Broken Hill on May 1, Little Topar on May 2, and Wilcannia on May 3.
Mr Kidd is a medically retired teacher who tragically experienced the loss of four of his students to suicide during his career. He received a PTSD diagnosis in 2006 and spent the following years rebuilding his life and relationship with his mental health. During this time, he says he developed an appreciation for services and charities dedicated to assisting people through dark times.
Got Your Back Sista (GYBS) is one such organisation. This domestic violence charity helps women who have experienced abusive relationships to start a new life by providing an end-to-end service from crisis to healing. They have an in-house support team to offer one-on-one emotional support and provide safety planning, information, advice, and referrals to legal, housing, counselling, and crisis payment services. They also deliver a range of programs that support women to rebuild their lives, confidence, self-esteem and provide vocational skills as a pathway to employment.
With a goal to raise $30,000, Mr Kidd continues to dedicate his time and body through this fundraiser to raise awareness of GYBS throughout Australia.
Mr Kidd told us, “the most important thing to me is rebuilding people’s lives, because I’ve had to do that myself to a certain degree. I’ve talked to some of the people whose lives they [GYBS] have supported and they’re just so inspirational.”
Founded in 2016 by Melissa Histon, Got Your Back Sista is a not-for-profit domestic violence charity that has supported over 1000 women who have escaped the trauma of family violence.
“We’re so grateful for the work Ian is doing to support our charity,” said Ms Histon.
“In Australia wide, domestic violence is a rising epidemic. Through acts such as Ian’s, we hope this will raise awareness to women of the support and guidance charities like ours can provide to know they aren’t alone.”
In 2022, at least 50 women were murdered during domestic violence and 2023 started off with 10 women killed in just 20 days.
For support with domestic violence, call 02 4989 2777 or go to gotyourbacksista.com
To donate to this coast-to-coast ride via MyCause, visit mycause.com.au/page/303263
