Scootaville to scoot into town

THEY’RE small but gutsy and they’re headed to Ballarat to raise dollars and awareness for a good cause.

For several years a team of veterans have ridden small 110cc motor scooters along thousands of kilometres in rural Queensland, raising nearly $100,000 for Legacy and awareness of veterans’ issues.

Now organisers have expanded the Scootaville calendar to include Ballarat and other parts of Victoria.

Starting at Altona mid this month and travelling via Benalla, Beechworth, Omeo, Sale, Tallarook and Geelong, they’re due to arrive in Ballarat on Tuesday 25 November.

They’ll stay in town, camping at the showgrounds for a couple of days and visiting Sovereign Hill and the former RAAF air base at the airport, along with Lal Lal and Newlyn primary schools.

“Ballarat is of special interest as many of us were trained or worked at School of Radio, which was originally a unit based in Ballarat,” said Scootaville’s Mike Gahan, ahead of the visit.

“School visits are one of the most enjoyable elements of the Scootaville activity,” Mr Gahan said.

“We call in to meet the kids, and parents, tell them about Legacy and veterans and distribute showbags of goodies.

“Also on our Ballarat visit schedule are the magnificent memorials to POWs and those of the region who served and are remembered by the Memorial Arch and roadside trees.”

Mr Gahan said this first Victorian foray will involve 13 participants riding six scooters in relay, but this number is hoped to increase in the future.

“We would be happy to chat with potential participants from the Ballarat region while we are in the area,” he said.

During their visit, the Scootaville participants may well be seen getting about in their distinctive blue golf shirts and baseball caps, with their collection buckets for donations, before they scoot back to Altona via a two-night stop in Bendigo.

Donations can be made at radschool.org.au/scootaville/donate/index.htm.