Katter hands over $15,000 ‘fight money’ to the Flying Doctor
The Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter said it was worth putting his body on the line to raise $15,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service as the cheque was handed over today by fight organiser Jono Poole.
“It was a great fight with Mike Diamond and fortunately neither of us came out of it too much the worse for wear.
“I just overheard Jono say he was organising another tournament next year, so I’d better get back into training soon,” said the fitness-conscious MP.
Katter’s sparring partner Mike Diamond and fellow boxer Bret Wessels were also on hand to see the money safely delivered to the RFDS at the base’s Mount Isa airport hangar today.
RFDS Base Manager Sandy Van Drunen said the funds were vital to keep the Flying Doctor flying.
“We’ll be putting this money towards vital medical supplies and we’re very grateful to Jono Poole for organising the charity fight, and for Robbie Katter and the other boxers for being willing to take a pummelling for RFDS, while at the same time giving good publicity to the “One Punch can Kill” campaign,” Ms Van Drunen said.
RFDS Queen Quest entrant, Tegan Kastermans, who also works as an administration officer at the RFDS base, said she was grateful for the opportunity to raise funds at the event by staffing the bar.
“It was a great night, and RFDS has certainly benefited from the charity event,” Ms Kastermans said.
From left, RFDS pilot Gordon Edwards, Robbie Katter, RFDS Base Manager Sandy Van Drunen, boxer Bret Wessels, fight organiser Jono Poole, RFDS Queen Quest entrant Tegan Kastermans and Robbie Katter’s sparring partner, Mike Diamond.