Lorne cyclists get up early for change

FOR more than 30 years, the Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay has seen teams of riders tackle 520kms over 24 hours to raise valuable funds for their community.

Over the April 7-8 weekend, 30,000 riders will make their way from Echuca to Port Fairy and among them will be a group of local riders and volunteers.

Led by team captain Ed Barington, the 14-strong team, with members ranging in age from 15 to 75 years old, will raise valuable funds to purchase new rehabilitation equipment for the Lorne Community Hospital (LCH).

“This year Foodworks in Lorne has come on board as our major sponsor, so we’re the Foodworks Lorne Spinners Team. It will be my ninth year and it’s just a fantastic way to bring people together,” Mr Barington said.

“We’ve raised over $330,000 to date for the LCH and that’s thanks to the generosity of the community. The team has set a target to raise $30,000 this year for the hospitals ‘Active Living’ fundraising campaign, through sponsorship, a fundraising dinner and community donations.

“This would not be possible without our dedicated riders and our team of volunteers.”

LCH chief executive officer Kate Gillan said the hospital had identified that physical activity is a priority for keeping the community healthy.

“Funds raised from this volunteer-driven project will go directly towards purchasing new rehabilitation equipment to help assist our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist to provide pre and post injury programs,” Ms Gillan said.

Mr Barington said this year was particularly special because it marks a decade of involvement for 75-year-old Lorne Spinners team member Harri Muller.

“We’re going to be celebrating that achievement during our silent auction that’s coming up on March 15. It’s not all about how much we raise but about bringing people together,” he said.

“Not once in nine years have we been knocked back when we’ve walked into businesses down the main street asking for donations, it’s just a fantastic community.”

The Murray to Moyne fundraising dinner will be held at The View, Lorne Hotel on Thursday March 15 at 6pm with tickets $65 per person, including canapés, a welcome drink and a two course meal.

For further information, phone the Lorne Community House on 5289 4383, or visit mycause.com.au/charity/133/LorneCommunityHospital.