Cruise to honour Marine Rescue volunteers

A CONVOY of cars and motorcycles will line the streets of Ballina this weekend to honour Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch following the Ballina Bar tragedy.

The Community Respect and Appreciation Cruise, organised by the North Coast Show N Shine committee, will be held on Sunday, May 17.

North Coast Show and Shine coordinator and event organiser Michelle Bailey said the idea came from the community wanting to honour the two volunteers, who died during a rescue operation at the Ballina Bar.

“We had people straight away wanting to know how we could help, the community have been hit hard by the tragedy,” Bailey said.

“This is a chance to bring everyone together, help people grieve and show our respect.”

Bailey said organisers were hoping for more than 100 cars and motorcycles to take part in the procession through Ballina.

The convoy will travel through town before stopping at the Marine Rescue tower on Lighthouse Parade, where flowers will be laid in honour of the volunteers, before continuing to Cherry Street Sports Ballina.

All historical and classic car clubs, motorcycle groups, local vehicle owners and members of the public are invited to take part.

Donations are encouraged in support of the other crew members who are still recovering from their injuries.

The cruise route includes Tamarind Drive, Kerr Street, River Street, Compton Drive, Fenwick Drive and Lighthouse Parade before finishing on Cherry Street.

Members of the public are being encouraged to attend Cherry Street Sports Club to support fundraising activities.

The Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond is also involved in the event and will host a breakfast barbecue fundraiser at the venue.

“The Rotary Club, Cherry Street and Show and Shine support each other and will join forces for this one,” Bailey said.

“The Marine Rescue group have been big supporters of our events and this is a way we can help them as a community.”

The cruise will depart Harvey Norman at 8am.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact [email protected].