Lisa Curry gives Olympic flame to Fraser Coast Mates

TRIPLE Olympian and wellness entrepreneur Lisa Curry has donated her 2000 Sydney Olympic Torch to a Fraser Coast organisation to raise funds for mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives. 

Fraser Coast Mates was formed almost eight years ago through the tragic loss of a local popular community identity.

The group was formed to provide a better understanding to the community of mental health and provides urgent counselling services for those who take the step to seek help.

Lisa Curry connected with this group in 2022 as a guest speaker and provided continued support with their messaging and promotions since this time.

Her husband, Mark Andrew Tabone, has also supported the group with a number of fundraising nights performing his nationally recognised Legends Showcase featuring his Elvis tribute show.

Lisa says it’s a cause that she sees as a need for more discussion in local communities. “Fraser Coast Mates really resonates with me and I see the need to speakmore openly about how we feel, particularly with men”.

Fraser Coast Mates promotes a great awareness of mental health in the local community and connects with both men and women encouraging more conversations and the courage to speak up if they are concerned how they feel.

One of Australia’s most popular personalities, Lisa has focused her work on unique and powerful message about personal success, overcoming obstacles, discipline, determination, weight loss, regaining your health, and getting the best out of people.

She has personally signed the Olympic torch with a message “Be the best you can be!”.

President for the Fraser Coast Mates, Darren Bosley, says the genuine support from Lisa and Mark has provided great motivation for the committee to continue with their work.

“While this gift from Lisa is an amazing gesture that will provide important funds towards counselling support in the local community, her genuine care for our community and support for mental health awareness is why we have so much respect for her.”  

“She’s a true Australian that understands the meaning of “mates” and we are so lucky to have her as a supporter”.

Lisa Curry carried the torch in the Olympic Torch relay as part of the 2000 Sydney Olympics celebration.

The iconic swimmer competed in three Olympics, two World Championships and three Commonwealth Games, her final appearance representing Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as a 30 year old mother of two.

Her donation to FraserCoast Mates will be auctioned online from the 18th May by Winter Auctions.

Auctioneer Craig Winter says it will be a highly anticipated auction item.

“This is one of the most unique and sought after items we’ve auctioned in recent years”, says Mr Winter.

“There will be huge interest from around the country and beyond, but I fully expect it to fall into the hands of an Australian sports enthusiast.”

For more information about the auction, visit the website www.winterauctions.com.au or call 0405 003 837.