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Name:
Ben Cummins Age: 35 Birthplace: Cairns, QLD Now living: Rhodes, NSW Occupation: NRL referee |
Family background/details: Married to Jane for 12 years. Four children - Isani (9), Bethany (8), Caitlin (6), Patrick (4). Lived in Canberra for 24 years before relocating to Sydney in 2003 to pursue a refereeing career. Also a qualified school teacher (Australian Catholic University) NRL Matches officiated: 90 Reasons/motivation for doing the ride: It was about doing something challenging that may set an example for other people, assisting in a good cause and achieving something with my mates. Involvement in other charities: I was a lay missionary with PALMS in Madang PNG 1999-2000 and am still a donor to PALMS Australia - cross cultural organisation today. |
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Name:
Bernard Sutton Age: 29 Birthplace: Coonabarabran, NSW Now living: Seven Hills, NSW Occupation: NRL referee/ Town planner |
Family background/details: Born and raised in Coonabarabran before moving to Sydney in 2002 to pursue a refereeing career. 2002-2007 worked as a Town planner for Canterbury City Council & refereed on a part-time basis. 2007-present I have been employed a full-time NRL referee and continue working part time as a town planner. In January 2009 I was married to Amy - partner of 5 years. Brother to Chris and Gerard. NRL Matches officiated: 23 Reasons/motivation for doing the ride: I understand the difficulties and limited opportunities of growing up in a rural area. I now see this as an opportunity to give something back to rural communities. Involvement in other charities: Instigated the partnership between NRL referees and Bravehearts including charity functions, promotional activities and personally delivering the Bravehearts message to children. |
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Name:
Chris Sutton Age: 24 Birthplace: Coonabarabran, NSW Now living: Prospect, NSW Occupation: Marketing Liaison Manager |
Family background/details: I grew up in Coonabarabran and relocated to Sydney for employment and in pursuit of a refereeing career in 2005. I lived with brothers Bernard & Gerard for 3 years prior to recently becoming engaged and purchasing my first home with partner of 5 years Stacey. NRL Matches officiated: NIL Reasons/motivation for doing the ride: Challenging mysef both physically and mentally to complete the ride coupled with the opportunity to raise money for less fortunate kids were big motivators. Growing up in a small rural town, it is really an opportunity to give back to our local areas and especially to those kids not quite as blessed with opportunity. Involvement in other charities: Through my involvement in refereeing I have been privileged to work with groups like Starlight Foundation and Down Syndrome NSW but never to the scale or with the widespread support of this event. The support by highly reputable companies such as Toyota and Ruralco is just fantastic! |
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Name:
Gerard Sutton Age: 30 Birthplace: Coonabarabran, NSW Now living: Campbelltown, NSW Occupation: NRL referee |
Family background/details: Born and raised in Coonabarabran. Completed a journalism cadetship in Narrabri/Wee Waa from 1997-1999. Moved to Sydney in 2000 to pursue refereeing career. Worked as a journalist with Fairfax 1999-2008. Married to Julie and have two step-children - Alex (7), Jessika (5) NRL Matches officiated: 21 Reasons/motivation for doing the ride: I was very fortunate as a kid that my parents were able to transport me across the state to pursue my dream. A lot of kids in regional and remote areas don't get the same opportunities. I hope we can assist Aussie Helpers Children's Fund in giving rural kids the chance to realise their potential. Involvement in other charities: Organised a benefit dinner for Starlight Foundation in 2007. Sponsor a child through World Vision. |
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| Guest Riders |
Brett "grimey" Ryan, Marketing Manager, Biochemicals & PGRs, Sumitomo Chemical Australia Pty Ltd Gerard Hines, Company Director, Delta Ag Steve Hines, NSW State Manager, Kenso Bill Mann, Owner, Rylstone Ag Supplies Hugh O'Neil, Rylstone |