East Grampians Health Service’s Murray to Moyne Cranks and Defibrillators team has raised $16,100 towards Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch’s $250,000 mammography unit project.

The team wrapped up its fundraising efforts for 2026 after completing the 525-kilometre Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay from Echuca to Port Fairy.

The team of 14 riders, along with a support crew of four bus drivers,
was thrilled to exceed its fundraising goal.

Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch and EGHS’ board and executive staff acknowledged the work of this year’s Murray to Moyne team at a function last month.

“Thank you to this year’s Murray to Moyne team for raising the significant amount of $16,100 towards the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mammography unit project,” EGHS chief executive Nick Bush said.

“Funds raised came through events such as the Ararat Market and popular trivia night, as well as two raffles and generous sponsorship from family, friends, work colleagues and of course our generous Ararat business community.

“The Murray to Moyne team has been representing EGHS for around 25 years and in that time has raised about $250,000 for vital equipment and services for EGHS.

“Not only that, but they ride 525 kilometres from the Murray in Echuca to the Moyne in Port Fairy, supporting each other with training and acting as great ambassadors for EGHS.”

Mr Bush also thanked the businesses, organisations and individuals that provided sponsorship and donations to the team.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of our community, who have provided valuable funds towards the Mammography Unit project, as well as in-kind donations that enable our team to run successful fundraisers,” he said.

Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch president Dianne Radford commended the fundraising effort.

“The mammography project is the largest project undertaken by the Ararat branch since we started in 2002, and since announcing this project last November we have been overwhelmed with support from the Ararat and district community,” she said.

“Murray to Moyne is a great example of community coming forward not only to do the cycling relay but to help raise the funds for this vital equipment which will be of benefit to East Grampians Health Service’s medical officers, staff and most importantly residents in our communities and beyond.

“Pleasingly, recently at our gala night we handed over the first instalment of $100,000 to the health service which included the team’s donation – a pretty good effort all round in just six months, and with our forthcoming fundraising events in next few months we are hoping we will reach the target much sooner than originally anticipated.

“For all of us, we are so fortunate to be part of such an inclusive and generous community whose support for projects like the mammography unit is paramount, and to the Murray to Moyne team thank you, we are indebted to your wonderful contribution.”

The entire September 16, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!