Bands for Ben

By Paul Verkuylen

The Ben Mikic Foundation is in the process of organising a benefit concert, named Bands for Ben, in the town of Bowral on October 27. Local year 10 high school students from Chevalier College, the school Mikic attended, are organising the concert that will include six local bands, a song writing competition as well as education booths, guest speakers, federal minister Tony Abbott, Commonwealth Games kilo gold medallist Ben Kersten.

On April 27 this year, while out training with his good friend Alex Tomlinson, Mikic, a talented 15 year-old cyclist from Mittagong, New South Wales was tragically killed in a collision with a car. Ben was a keen cyclist who like many young riders had dreams of one day racing the Tour de France.

The concert is targeted at 17-25 year olds, an age group that makes up 11 percent of the Southern Highlands population. The foundation is also running a painting workshop in the lead up to the event and for local kindergarten and year one students, to increase the awareness of cyclists on the road.

After his death, with the support of high profile Australian riders Bradley McGee and James Williamson, Ben's parents Andrea and Darren set up the Ben Mikic foundation, with the aim of educating young riders of the dangers they face on the road. The foundation is aimed at preventing more accidents like that which killed their son form occurring through creating awareness.

For more information on the benefit concert or to make a donation to the foundation, visit the Ben Mikic foundation website