Invermay fundraiser turns 10

AN annual event aimed at raising funds for one of the region’s fire brigades while giving community members an entertaining night out is scheduled to return for its 10th iteration.

On Sunday 2 March, the Invermay Progress Association’s (IPA) annual outing to support the town’s fire brigade will present an evening of dance, dinner and social fun.

IPA president and Invermay Fire Brigade 3rd Lieutenant Ross Irving said the event has become a staple calendar outing for many.

“It’s become a community day as well, and brings all the locals together,” he said.

“Many are always asking when it’s coming up so it’s always on the calendar.

“Being a semi-rural community, it’s not always easy to catch up with people.

“You wave to people from the car all the time but to actually sit down and talk isn’t the easiest so it facilitates that and everyone has a good time.”

The event will take place from 1pm at its traditional location, Wightwick Winery, with live music to be provided by regular performers The Harmonies.

Attendees will be able to enjoy wine, beer and a gourmet barbecue, while a raffle and auction will also take place.

 

The event will be BYO chairs.

Lieutenant Irving said it’s incredible for the event to reach a decade.

“We probably didn’t think we’d get this far,” he said. “Even between COVID, it became a calendar event. It’s grown to the point where car parking’s becoming a bit of a premium.”

The event has averaged $5000 for the brigade over the last five years.

He guessed around $40,000 has been donated through the event since its inception, and said it’s long been a reliable vehicle to generate funds through.

“We’re able to purchase additional gear and supplies not funded by the CFA like better nozzles and equipment, which makes it easier when we’re out firefighting, and also training gear,” he said.

“We also have a second truck which we fundraise for which we got about five years ago, and at some point down the track it’ll have to be replaced.”