IN the early hours of Saturday, March 17, Dongara farmers Debbie and Andrew Gilliam will join hundreds of people at Leighton Beach, Fremantle, who have accepted the challenge to swim to Rottnest Island in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim.
The husband and wife team manage a farming property with their family, 20 kilometres from Dongara with sheep, cattle and cropping, while Ms Gillam also works off-farm in agronomy research and development.
Despite being time poor, the couple committed to a training regime and managed to steal some time at the Dongara Marina in preparation for the event.
“I guess I’ve always wanted to swim to Rottnest Island, but in the country it’s hard to get people to commit,” Ms Gillam said.
“Andrew and I have done a couple of half iron man competitions, and the Avon Descent a few years ago, so we just decided that we can do this, and I signed us up.
“Most people think we’re crazy.
“We live and work on the farm and off the farm and we have two little kids, but we’ve managed to get down to the marina each Saturday and Sunday and at least once during the week.
“If we get to Rottnest in eight hours, I’ll be stoked.”
They will compete as a duo and be accompanied by Andrew’s father Rob Gillam, who will be driving the boat, and Drew Mutter who has been nominated to paddle.
Event organiser Ceinwen Roberts said the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub grew in awareness and popularity each year, but never lost its unique sense of community.
She said training and support was always available.
“What really sets the Port to Pub apart from other open water events is its strong sense of community,” Ms Roberts said.
“We have swimmers registering for the first time who never thought this was possible, but they feel welcomed and supported.
“We also have Olympians and champions who see the event as a serious competition and a way to pursue their swimming goals.
“We believe the Port to Pub helps people enjoy the outdoors and engage with both the community and Perth’s incredible environment.
“ It is well aligned to our supported charities R U OK? and Coastcare, and the ongoing benefits of participation are extensive.”
The event is open to individuals, duos or teams of four and six, as well as schools, swimming clubs, and this year, there are corporate groups vying for the inaugural K&L Gates Corporate Cup.
The event also offers an extended 25km route, which is the longest open water swim in Australia, and attracts swimmers competing on a national and international circuit.
This year event organisers have encouraged swimmers to ‘Raise the Challenge’ within their own networks to inspire the broader community and empower people to join the growing swimming community.
