Today, Dusty, the 12-year-old boy who has inspired a nation with his 540km walk from Warren to Canberra, has delivered an early Christmas present for Little Wings and children in regional and remote areas.
Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP said Dusty, the young man who is the force behind the Dollar for Dusty campaign, had been successful in reaching his $1 million target for Little Wings.
“What Dusty has achieved is phenomenal,” Mr Chaffey said. “This 12-year-old boy has walked 540km to highlight to the critical service Little Wings provides in bringing paediatricians to the west.
“He says he just wanted to raise ‘a little bit of money’, but he has succeeded where the committed efforts of non-profit organisations have struggled – he has walked from his home in Warren to Parliament House to ask the Prime Minister to match the money he has been able to raise.
“Not only that, but the Federal Government has now finally committed to funding a further two years of funding for Little Wings in addition to matching every dollar that Dusty has raised. It is sad it takes a young man of Dusty’s incredible spirit to achieve this, but he has done it.
“Congratulations to Dusty, to his family, to the community of Warren, and a big thank you to everyone who has donated to this very worthy campaign. Little Wings has advised it will remain open for donations for another month.”
Dusty told the media he was looking forward to heading home with his family in the ute to do a bit of camping and fishing. His long-term dream is to become a pilot like the ones who bring medical care to children in regional and remote Australia.
Mr Chaffey made a speech to Parliament to congratulate Dusty yesterday. You can watch the full speech here: https://www.jamiechaffey.com.au/speeches/congratulations-dusty/
If you would like to donate to Dollar for Dusty, you can do so here: https://www.givenow.com.au/dollar-for-dusty
ENDS
Media contact: Marie Low | 0491 940 108 | marie.low@aph.gov.au