Mackay ultra-runner and young veteran, Wayne McMurtrie, set off from ANZAC Square in Brisbane on a 1,500 kilometer Run for Resilience on 1 September 2018. The run took 22 days and ended in Winton in Central-Western Queensland on 22 September.

The run was the reversal of the original journey of the troop trains from Winton to Brisbane that took the World War 1 original ANZACS to war and reflected on the ANZACS journey home when they returned after the end of the war in November 1918. The run by Wayne was a mark of remembrance and commemoration for all Australians involved in conflict – past and present.

Wayne was raising funds for, and raising the awareness of, current veterans PTSD plight.

On the run he travelled through the PFH District from Rockhampton west to Emerald and the Gemfields. I would like to thank the Gracemere, Blackwater/Bluff, and Emerald sub-branches for looking after Wayne and his road crew along the way.

The Mackay Sub-Branch, in conjunction with the Mackay Regional Council, held a Civic Reception for Wayne in Jubilee Park on the evening of Tuesday 25 September. The reception was attended by the Mayor, Greg Williamson, and RSL State President, Tony Ferris, travelled from Brisbane for the function.

At the District Council meeting held in Yeppoon on Saturday 15 September, it was decided that the District donate $1,500($1 per kilometer) to Wayne’s nominated charity, PTSD Resurrected, and the donation was made to Wayne by myself and District Deputy President, John Edwards at the Civic Reception.

I would like to sincerely thank Mackay Sub-Branch President, Luke Taylor, and Sub-Branch members for planning and organizing the Civic Reception and  for donating a substantial amount of monies(around $1,300) to Wayne to cover the cost of the fuel for the road vehicle during the run.