Mr. Australia lifts 12 tonnes to raise money for Cancer PLUS

By Claire Bennett, Community and Public Relations Officer
Current Mr Australia and Forestry Tasmania ambassador Darren Smith recently organised and competed in the Tasmanian Strength and Fitness Challenge to raise money for Cancer PLUS.


Competitors in the Strength and Fitness Challenge performed as many repetitions as possible in squat, bench and dead-lift competitions with the weight bar loaded to their own body weight. Competitors sought sponsorship for each successful repetition with the money raised going to Cancer PLUS.


Cancer PLUS is a Tasmanian program set up by The Cancer Council to educate, support, serve and advocate for families of children and adolescents with cancer, survivors of childhood cancer and the professionals who care for them. Support is offered during and after treatment or during bereavement whether treatment is in Tasmania or interstate.

“I wanted to be involved in organising a “strong-man” type competition because they are great to compete in, but also being a great spectator sport we recognised the potential to raise money for charity.” said Darren.

“I chose Cancer PLUS because it was important to me that the charity was benefiting children. We estimated that in total we could raise over $1000 and we were thrilled to be able to present Cancer PLUS with over $1300.”

Darren placed fourth in the overall competition lifting a personal best of 12 tonnes during the three official lift competitions. The Forestry Tasmania and Southern Cross Television Community Assist Program sponsored Darren with $500, an estimated $5 per lift.

There was also the optional "strongman" car-pull feat where competitors had to pull a car with a rope whilst in a seated position. This event was certainly a crowd pleaser!

“The competition drew a sizeable crowd and a strong representation of the media, hopefully raising awareness of the Cancer PLUS program. I’ll look forward to running the event again next year although I was so sore for days - the competition was like a week’s worth of training in one day!” Said Darren.


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