THE Bunya mountains are resonating with whispers that a legendary athlete will soon visit Kingaroy to share his secrets for lifelong good health.

The rumours are true. Hundreds of people will attend Dinner with Deek to hear Robert de Castella’s keynote speech Winning the marathon of life: exercise and healthy ageing at Orana Lutheran Complex on Friday November 25. 

“I’m looking forward to sharing my stories and experiences with the people of Kingaroy and to have a good time with them,” Rob said.

Robert de Castella is Australia’s greatest ever marathon runner. He set the world record in 1981, became Australia’s first Track and Field World Champion in 1983, won two Commonwealth Games marathons in 1982 and 1986 and dominated the event worldwide for most of the 1980s.

The dinner will kick off from 6.30pm and feature a banquet meal, lucky door prizes, raffles and live entertainment for 20 tables of 10 guests.

Robert said it is important for older Queenslanders to lead an active life and keep health at the top of their agendas.

“Make health a priority,” he said.

“Good health means being able to do all of the things you want to be able to do from a physical, emotional and mental perspective.

“A healthy mind and body allows you to get out and have all these wonderful adventures and means you have the happiness and confidence to embrace life and really live it.”

The sporting great is passionate about health. After retiring from competitive sport he established his own company SmartStart, specialising in children’s and corporate health and wellness. 

“You need to do things, get your heart beating, your breathing pumping and things that tone the muscles like strengthening exercises, working on your balance, coordination and agility,” Rob said.

In 2006 Robert launched Deeks, a specialist grain and gluten-free health bakery, for people who are conscious of health and fitness or suffering from autoimmune conditions like Coeliac disease. 

“We wanted to provide people who want to have grain and gluten free foods with a great tasting quality product that wasn’t on the market before. Six years later we have two stores in Canberra and are doing a lot more work in wholesaling and mail orders all around Australia,” Rob said.

Kingaroy Deputy Major Keith Campbell said Winning the marathon of life: exercise and healthy ageing was an important forum to lift the profile of health in rural communities and strengthen community bonds.

“The South Burnett region comprises a range of people with different health needs,” he said.

“It’s important to bring events like this to regional Queensland and present people with opportunities to listen and become informed as to the latest developments in the health care arena  catering for a range of ages.

“The South Burnett region already has a range of health initiatives in place to support people to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s a case of strengthening the relationships between current health providers, community and business to make them more aware of what type of opportunities are there for them within the community.”

Orana Lutheran Complex General Manager Richard Fahy said Robert’s speech would empower residents and the community with tips for maintaining good health and experiencing quality of life.

“Health is the most important subject matter and the purpose of the evening is draw upon a broad range of health-related areas to improve the services needed in rural aged care,” he said.

“The Productivity Commission’s report into aged care has recommended a focus on helping older people remain healthy and independent for as long as possible.

“Robert will discuss the role of exercise and nutrition in assisting to maintain independence and good health as we age.”

 The fun will continue into the next morning from 7am with a bustling community market at Orana on November 26.

A variety of stalls will feature local handmade accessories, food, giftware, clothing, décor and plants.

Richard said entertainment, amusements and special displays will also be onsite.

“This market day of fun-filled activities, stalls showcasing our local produce and bric-a-brac will draw people throughout the South Burnett region together as a community,” he said.

General seating at the dinner cost $38.50 per person (incl. GST) or $352 for a table of 10 (incl. GST).Telephone Richard Fahy at Orana on (07) 4162 6555 to make a booking.