Inaugural bike ride to pedal into town

CYCLISTS will ride 460km from Warrnambool to Box Hill to raise awareness of veteran homelessness, with the inaugural Tour de V Centre stopping in Geelong on October 15.

Departing on October 12, the ride aims to spark conversations about veteran housing and connect communities along the way.

Veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, with around 6,000 veterans without a home.

Vasey RSL Care executive general manager veteran services Chris Gray said the event was about awareness and support.

“It’s really important to make sure that regional communities are aware of the supports available to veterans, particularly housing solutions and specialist programs.

“This event will bring communities together and remind veterans they are not alone.”

Organisers hope the ride will highlight the services available to struggling veterans.

Warrnambool-based veteran and co-organiser Adam Kent said the ride showed the power of community.

“I really believe in approaches where everyone comes together to support those who need it.

“Veterans and anyone who is struggling deserve to know that they are not alone – that the community is right behind them.”

As part of the initiative, nightly dinners with guest speakers and entertainment will take place during the ride, with the Geelong RSL hosting a celebration evening on October 15.

Guest speakers will include former Geelong player Matt Stokes, Mark West Foundation’s Paul West and Wadawurrung woman Corinna Eccles.

“As a proud Wadawurrung woman, it’s powerful to stand alongside a former AFL player at this fundraiser, yarning, sharing the highs and lows, and honouring our cultural connections and responsibilities of strength and leadership in Geelong and our First Nations communities,” Ms Eccles said.

“Together, we speak of challenges, hope, resilience, and purpose.”

For more information, visit vaseyrslcare.org.au.