For Calala mum Mia Cottrell-Dormer, her “issue” came in a Newcastle lecture theatre six years ago, the first time she heard in detail about the harrowing plight of victims of human trafficking.

Determined to do what she could to help, Mrs Cottrell-Dormer – already an accomplished triathlete – rallied a group of friends to form a fundraising team at the Port Macquarie Half Ironman event.

Over the past three years, the team has swelled to more than 100 and through the extraordinary support of local businesses and residents, has raised more than $100,000 the fight against human trafficking – $55,000 this year alone.

The group, known as TriFreedom, is made up of members from diverse walks of life and participates annually at Port Macquarie, as well as other endurance events.

Mrs Cottrell-Dormer, who has been invited to speak at the social justice forum where her passion was born, said it had been a life-affirming experience.

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger and it just blows me away,” she said.

“It’s amazing to see people willing to do something for their community to make a difference and also globally.”

She said human trafficking was the fastest growing crime worldwide.

This year, the team will be extending their repertoire to include teams in Suck It Up Buttercup and Sydney’s Tough Mudder event. 

Other fundraising events held over the past year included two walkathons, a car raffle, a golf day, an indoor fitness triathlon, and a Crossfit day.