The Watering Hole rocks for rally team’s cause

ROCKIN’ for a Reason, a fundraising event for the 2026 Shitbox Rally’s Team Gorgeous Georgios, raised more than $1500 at The Watering Hole last weekend.

Jared and Ken Puxley will be participating in the rally to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

The men decided to join the rally in honour of their mate George who lost his battle with cancer in 2023.

The Winter Shitbox Rally sets out from Mildura on 19 June and ends at Townsville on 27 June.

Participants were required to purchase a car for no more than $1500 and raise at least $5000 to begin.

The Watering Hole co-owner David Stammers has been friends with Ken Puxley for 40 years and together with his wife Joan supported the efforts with a fundraising event last weekend.

“It was a great night,” said Ms Stammers.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended and helped to support Jared and Ken.

“It is great to see so many locals getting behind the team and for such a great cause.

“We are hoping to hold two more fundraisers before they set off.”

Jared Puxley said he was grateful for the support from Joan and David Stammers and the wider community.

“We had a fantastic night on Saturday night raising just over $1500 towards our goal through an auction, small raffle and donations,” he said.

“It was more than we expected to make and we were really taken aback by the generosity of the crowd in attendance and the support they showed us.

“Everyone enjoyed the music provided by Vino Sapiens and we really appreciate their support.

“The auction items were donated by local Heathcote and Bendigo businesses, and some generous locals themselves.”

Donors included @Home Bendigo, Bendigo Electronics, Champions IGA Heathcote, JLC Photography, Ziads Gourmet Produce, Snooze Bendigo, Total Tools Bendigo, Sandra McNabb, Pizzeria Montana, Humis Vineyard, Gaffneys Bakery, Young Estate Cellar Door, Jeany Moffatt, Smith’s Outdoors, Heathcote Jewellery, Way to Go, Brenda Rodgers, Lisa Zuric, Jocelyn Russell, Lance Holding and Ryco Filters.

Other sponsors included Honey and Whiskey Photography, Bendigo Forklift Hire and Service, and Heathcote Mitre 10.

“We couldn’t do this without all the great support,” Jared Puxley said.

To donate to Team Gorgeous Georgios or follow their progress visit facebook.com/share/19hAWGgnyU.