Vice-chancellor professor Andrew Vann will be part of the team representing the university in the ride which kicks off on February 28 and travels from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour.

He will be joined by Professor Tracey Green, Greg Linsdell and Johnathan Hewis, all from Port Macquarie.

Royal Far West hopes to raise $300,000 from the ride, with the money helping the non-government organisation to continue providing health services to children living in rural and remote NSW. 

Professor Vann said the CSU squad hopes to raise $20,000. 

“Royal Far West strives to make an outstanding contribution to children with complex health and behavioural disorders, developmental delays and mental health problems who live in rural and remote areas and cannot access the specialised services they need,” he said. 

“All the cyclists and I will be attempting to average about 127 kilometres each day, so that effort will justify any donations we receive for this exceptionally worthwhile cause. 

“All proceeds will provide health services to country kids to help them with speech and communication, mental health, oral health, autism spectrum disorders, and overall development.”

CSU’s involvement in the ride has been praised by Bathurst mother Sonia Nunan, who’s son Darcy has made significant progress in his health thanks to appropriate therapy that has been provided to him by Royal Far West. 

“The fact that Charles Sturt University, the vice-chancellor and academics are providing personal support and contributing to this outstanding rural NSW children’s health charity is so commendable,” Ms Nunan said. 

“The University has strong academic discipline links to health services for regional Australia, and this is another demonstration of its commitment to the people of rural and regional NSW.”

To help CSU meet their target, leave a donation on Professor Vann’s donation page by visiting rideforcountrykids2016. gofundraise.com.au/page/AndrewVann.