From 'penny' to $180,000 on Giving Day

Above: Dr Joel Dulhunty after riding from Brisbane to Redcliffe for Giving Day.

An epic penny farthing ride has helped Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day generate almost $180,000 for patient care, life-changing research and staff well-being projects.

On Wednesday, Redcliffe Director of Research Associate Professor Joel Dulhunty saddled up again on his penny farthing to ride from Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) to Redcliffe Hospital.

His remarkable effort on two wheels - which joins a fundraising resume which includes riding from Cairns to Brisbane - helped the Giving Day 2025 become another huge success.

“Research and bike riding are two of my passions – ‘research’ because it gives us a blueprint to deliver the best in healthcare and ‘riding’ for fun, fitness and adventure,” he said.

Other highlights of Giving Day included visits by Dolphins NRL, including prop Mark Nicholls, centre Aublix Tawha, mascots Phinny and Sandy, and super fan and comedian Dwayne Bennett. 

Patients and visitors were also greeted by Cookie the Clown and Owlbert from Sesame Lane, and Fred the Town Crier. 99.7 Bridge FM broadcast live from the hospital.

All Giving Day donations for Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital were doubled by Impact Partners Lewis Land (The Belvedere and The Komo), Crew Legal, Sesame Lane, GKS Law, BallyCara, Think 2 Be Foundation and an anonymous individual. Many Community Partners added their support.

“The Moreton City community has truly opened its heart to help keep healthcare strong,” said RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske.

“This remarkable fundraising outcome is even more phenomenal because we know so many people are doing it tough due to the cost of living.”

Giving Day is an initiative of the RBWH Foundation and raises vital funding for projects which fall outside Government funding.

A Giving Day bonus round is tonight’s Giggle Trivia Show at Redcliffe Leagues Club hosted by My Care Enterprises. Sign up at http://www.trybooking.com/DBSV...

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Since 2021, Giving Day has raised $1.2 million dollars for initiatives, including:

• Three Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit renovation projects
• Two Palliative Care Unit renovation projects
• Children’s Ward playroom and parents’ lounge renovation (soon to start)
• One Senior Nursing Researcher
• 11+ Research Internships
• Children and Families grants
• Equipment including neonatal monitors
• Numerous Wishlist Grants including breastfeeding night lights for new mothers, virtual reality goggles to calm injured children, clothing for elderly patients and a recliner chair for heart failure patients.

“The good we can do for Redcliffe Hospital starts now,” said Ms Garske.

“The community’s generosity will help the dedicated hospital teams turn life-changing ideas into real-world impact. Together, we’re building a better, healthier Queensland.”​  

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