Costelloe and co going dry in July

GEELONG business leader and philanthropist Rory Costelloe is helping to lead the charge for this year’s Dry July campaign.

Mr Costelloe, teammate and captain Billy Brownless and the Barwon Health Foundation’s Billy’s Team Love are chasing their fifth national fundraising title in a row in 2025.

The Villawood Properties executive director has personally raised more than $166,000 over the past four years, saying that Dry July has become a standout part of his personal calendar.

The cause is a deeply personal one for Mr Costelloe, who has been touched by cancer through family members’ battles.

“It’s been a fantastic four years doing Dry July, and I’m always amazed at the generosity we see,” he said.

“We’re hopeful the community will get behind us once again. Whether we finish first or not, it’s about doing our best for a cause that truly matters.

“It’s not just about raising money; it’s about showing support for the people in our community who are doing it really tough.”

Dry July encourages people to go alcohol-free for 31 days and raise funds for cancer services.

The Barwon Health Foundation has raised more than $1.8 million through Dry July since 2013, supporting a range of initiatives including refurbishment of chemotherapy and patient accommodation facilities, transport vehicles for patients and wellness therapies such as massage, art therapy, yoga and physiotherapy.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said the foundation was incredibly proud of the community’s ongoing support.

“The energy, generosity and determination shown by people like Rory and Billy are what make this campaign so successful year after year,” she said. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward improving comfort and care for cancer patients and their families here in Geelong.”

This year will mark the final Dry July campaign for Brownless, who says he want to go out with a bang.

“My beautiful mum passed away from cancer, and I saw first-hand the care she received,” Brownless said.

“This is my last Dry July… Let’s make it five wins in a row for Geelong!”

To donate or join the Dry July fundraising effort, head to dryjuly.com/teams/team-love-2 or dryjuly.com/users/rory-costelloe .