Borough rallies around local legend

THE community of Eaglehawk has come together to support one of its own, raising money and support for Eaglehawk Football Netball Club life member Alan Findlay.

Mr Findlay suffered a brain haemorrhage six weeks ago and after spending some time in Melbourne is now recovering in Bendigo, although will suffer long-term symptoms.

“The fundraiser came about because a lot of us, due to COVID, can’t go and visit Al. Only his immediate family can and only two different visitors a day,” said organiser Andrew Reid.

On Sunday, 27 March, EFNC is hosting a special event featuring live music by The Creepy Seals, who have reformed for the occasion, a barbecue lunch and many raffles and auctions. All money raised will go to the Findlay family.

“We wanted to make sure the family had the option of choosing the best care as it comes up for him, so to have a pool of money there would be excellent for them,” Mr Reid said.

In true Eaglehawk fashion, it didn’t take long for the support to start flowing in, with local businesses donating hundreds of dollars within hours of the fundraiser’s announcement.

Restaurants, pubs, shops and gyms have all donated vouchers to be won, valued at up to $500.

There will also be a video booth for messages of support to be recorded and sent to Mr Findlay with accessories supplied by the company behind his favourite beverage Victoria Bitter.

“It’s typical of Eaglehawk,” Mr Reid said. “From the outside looking in it’s amazing but I’ve grown up in Eaglehawk all my life and I’d expect nothing less. That’s just what we do, look after our own when we can.”

Mr Findlay played senior football for Eaglehawk in the 1980s before returning as an assistant coach in the 2000s.

He coached the reserves side to two premierships in 2003 and 2004 and was assistant coach when the seniors won in 2007 and 2008.