IN THE SWIM

Anne Pleash, media advisor to federal member for Kennedy Bob Katter, is in training mode for a 20-kilometre swim next month, aiming to raise $10,000 for Aussie Helpers.

Ms Pleash was able to score a session at Splashez Aquatic Centre on Saturday morning - between planning for Australia Day events and rural visits.

``I was born in Normanton and a few years ago moved back there during a really good wet season,'' she said.

``But since then I've been able to see the loss of stick and lack of wet season, and, working for Bob especially, we can see the heartbreak experienced in these areas now.''  

Ms Pleash said the swim wasn't a political ploy, but asking herself what she could do to help the cause.

``It was a crisis back in May when we called a disaster meeting, and there hasn't been any significant rain since then. So if it's not a crisis I don't even know what you'd call it,'' she said.

The swim will take place on February 22 from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to Rottnest Island, but it's not Ms Pleash's first attempt at a distance swim.

``Last year I did a 20-kilometre swim for cancer research, because my mum passed away from cancer and my aunty was also terminally ill,'' she said.

``It's not actually a unique story and, really, if you talk to people, you'll find most people have a connection with cancer and often in the immediate family.

``So that means I know I can do it, I was a bit fitter last year because I don't get a lot of time to train now I work for Bob, but I've been fitting a few sessions in.''  

Ms Pleash hopes to raise $10,000, but has a long way to go.

Anyone wishing to donate money can do so through her Everyday Hero website at https://give.everydayhero.com/au/anne-pleash.

Support for the struggling graziers is gaining momentum during the drought, with Romaine Twose-Karena donating his $1000 prize from the Man Vs Food challenge on Australia Day at the Isa Hotel to help those in need.