THERE are still 76 days until Ironman Australia hits the streets around Port Macquarie, but the triathlon community are already tuning up for the event.
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Over eight days in late January, almost $40,000 was raised for bushfire relief covering 32 auction items which started through an idea from none other than the voice of Ironman Australia, Pete Murray.
The impact the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital had then became apparent on a broader scale.
"All the people that donated got to choose their charity, but the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital would have got close to $12,000," he said.
"People come from all over the world to Port Macquarie to race and they see what the koala hospital is all about."
Murray said not one person from the Hastings won a bid, with former Tour de France cyclist Robbie McEwen's green leader's jersey going for an impressive $5000.
"It wasn't about an Ironman event; it was just triathlon, but it wasn't about one particular company."
Murray said he was enjoying a beer one night and felt obliged to think of a way where he could contribute.
The Ironman and triathlon community then jumped on board.
"We wanted to do something for the bushfires, we just didn't really know where to go or how to go about it," he said.
"We did a tri show and within 10 minutes we sent out all these messages to the pros and it was all systems go."
Four new auction items were released every day at midday where the bidding remained open for three days.
Some items included Ironman Australia Port Macquarie competitor's Tim Reed, Tim van Berkel and Josh Amberger's race attire.
Murray admitted "logistically it was a nightmare", but in the end it was rewarding to raise money on behalf of the triathlon community.
"It's the thing about that Aussie spirit; everyone helps out and we know it's only a minute thing we could do for those that have lost something.
"But that's what it's all about. We had everyone from Italians to Canadians and Germans all who won their bids."
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