Two Wallabies bounded into Bundy to help BUSHkids yesterday, but there was no need to call wildlife rescue!

Wallabies and Queensland Reds Rugby Union stars Tate McDermott and Filipo Daugunu were visiting Bundy as part of the 2021 ‘Reds to Regions’ tour which sees Reds players connect with the wider Queensland community during their pre-season training. Already stars of the Queensland Reds both and Filipo and Bundy born Tate were capped by the Wallabies last season.

To get the most out of the visit, BUSHkids took over Bundaberg PCYC for the morning so as many of our families as possible could take part in the day. Events included the players facilitating a game of Simon Say’s under the direction of our Bundaberg Occupational Therapist, an obstacle course, tug of war, wheelbarrow races and ball games run by the players. It wasn’t just fun and games however, these physical activities enabled our occupational therapist to monitor the kids’ motor skills.

Emma Cullum, BUSHkids team leader in Bundy, said the session with the Reds players had been a great opportunity for the kids and a real help to the BUSHkids’ therapy team.

“It’s given us a group opportunity to look at the kids’ development and see where they’re at and where they need support from our allied health team here in Bundaberg,” Emma said. “Also, with two sporting people that they can aspire to be like, to play with and be involved with, it’s great to have that happen locally.”

“Our thanks to our OT Ingrid Fourie and her husband for the work they did to make the event possible,” said BUSHkids CEO, Carlton Meyn. “I’d also like to thank Judy Peters for her support and all the media that attended. Maddie Fog and Emma Cullum our Team Leaders in Bundaberg did a great job on the day and of course our special thanks go to the Queensland Reds for supporting BUSHkids; especially Tate and Filipo for taking time out from their pre-season training to help us out. The kids really loved the day!”