24-Hour Treadmill Challenge: United for Our Fireys 

Cook Brothers Fundraiser at The Mill

On Friday, August 21st, our Queenstown community came together at The Mill for something big: a 24-hour treadmill challenge in support of our local volunteer fire brigades. Twenty-four hours later, we’d raised over $20,000 — and counting.

The Doubt Before the Doors Open

Anyone who’s organised a community event knows the feeling. You dream it up, you plan it, and then the doubt creeps in: Is this actually going to work? Is anyone going to turn up for the graveyard shift?

We didn’t have to wonder for long. From the first steps on the treadmill through to the early hours of the morning, people kept showing up — running, cheering, donating, and keeping the energy going around the clock. The support from our community and trade partners was nothing short of amazing.

Why It Matters

It’s easy to take for granted just how much our fire service does for this district. What many people don’t realise is that our fire brigades are entirely volunteer-run. The people who turn out to protect our homes, our businesses, and our community are giving their time freely, on top of their day jobs and families. This challenge was our way of saying thank you — and making sure they have the support and resources they need to keep doing it.

Smashing the Target — We set out to raise $20,000 and hit that target easily

None of this would have been possible without the incredible turnout from our members and the wider community — whether you ran, joined our fitness challenges, or donated, you made a real impact.

We couldn’t have done it without you.