News
Community generosity continues at the 10th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Gala Night
28th June, 2011
The community generosity continued at the 10th Anniversary for the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation- Ararat Branches ‘Gala Night of Night's held on Friday 27th May. Attended by some 270 guests from across the region, Melbourne and Sydney the event raised over $30,000 which will go towards a new CT Scanner at East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital).
The annual Gala Auction conducted by well-known Melbourne Auctioneer Phil de Fegely was an outstanding success in itself raising over $20,000 through the Main, Silent and Mystery Auction Items all donated by supporting businesses.
The Gala Night got underway with MC Mark Taylor from the Ace Radio Network welcoming everyone and introducing formalities led by Ararat Branch President Terry Weeks who said; "In 2002 we formed the Ararat Branch as a regional branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation with the first major fundraiser being our Gala Night. Some 10 years later this event is still generously supported by the community as our major annual fundraiser. The community involvement has been pivotal to its success and has been a major part of the Ararat Branch's contribution of over $500,000 to East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital).
Today we can proudly recognise our living memorials to Sgt John McNally who was killed at Cathcart via Ararat way back in 1856 through the Emergency Department, Emergency Helicopter Landing Pad, Medical Imaging Department and the Peri-operative Unit. Everyone who has supported the Foundation and the Ararat Branch over the past 10 years should also feel as proud we are of these achievements and the support we have all been able to give to our local health service."
Acknowledgements by Chairman of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Bill Noonan and East Grampians Health Service Board Vice Chairman Graeme Foster followed. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Western Region Lucinda Nolan commented on the outstanding work of the Foundation and the Ararat Branch and reminded guests that this good work was a living memorial to perpetuate all Victoria Police killed in the line of duty. The Assistant Commissioner invited all to stand for one minutes silence to reflect and remember.
Other special guests attending included legendary Past and Inaugural President of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation John Forbes, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive and Members, local Member for Ripon Mr Joe Helper MP who has attended nearly every year, Victoria Police Grampians Region Superintendent Graeme Arthur, Ararat Police Officer in Charge Matt Wood, Ararat Rural City Cr Ian Wilson together with past members of the Ararat Branch.
With the official part of the night completed Victoria Police Code 1 took to centre stage and like the previous year's guests were soon on their feet and filled the dance floor. The group of talented police officers led by Brian Carbery entertained non-stop until well after midnight, and like their appearance in Ararat spend many hours working across Victoria to promote another side of the police department.
Due to the ongoing wonderful support the Ararat Branch already has the Gala ‘Night of Nights' on the 2012 calendar for the last Friday in May.
