Car enthusiasts revved up their engines and came together from far and wide over the weekend of May 4 and 5 to celebrate the 28th edition of the Goulburn Valley Hospice Rallye.
With sunshine and pristine weather conditions, 42 vehicles and 106 participants embarked on a mystery navigational challenge, raising essential funds for GV Hospice Care’s palliative care services.
From a VE Commodore wagon to a LandCruiser, and even a borrowed 2023 Porsche 911, no vehicle was off-limits for the event.
Engines roared at MOVE in Kialla at 8am on the Saturday, made a pit stop for morning tea in Heathcote, and cruised into Maldon for lunch before parking for the night in Bendigo.
However, the journey was far from over. GV Hospice Rallye chair Kelvin Maude said the evening’s events kept the momentum going, the ending of the first day as exhilarating as the drive itself.
“Participants took part in a themed dress-up based around movies and movie stars while enjoying the evening’s main auction,” Mr Maude said.
“It was a lot of fun and a fantastic first day.
“It’s such an amazing event where so many people collaborate and come together to support these vital services.”
Day two saw participants leave from Bendigo and drive through breathtaking landscapes en route to Tabilk before returning to Shepparton later that afternoon.
Adding to the fun of the event each year, participant awards are given out throughout the course, covering a wide range of categories.
Rallye secretary and treasurer Myra Quick receiving the Spirit of the Rallye Award.
“We all recognise her long-term commitment to the committee,” Mr Maude said.
“Her main role is to keep the rest of us on task and on time, and she does an impressive job of both.”
Mr Maude added with a chuckle: “She has been talking about leaving the committee and now that she has won this award she can’t.”
Min Innes-Irons in a restored 1925 Type 501 Fiat, navigated by his daughter Lily, took home the navigation award.
“I am the driver, and Lily is the navigator and she has an eagle eye and she’s super competitive,” Mr Innes-Irons said.
“When it came down to nailing all the clues, Lily hates not getting them right.
“We managed to scrape in by one point, which is a pretty good effort.”
From community raffles, entrant funds and online and main auctions featuring donated items, the event raised a whopping amount.
Support from various sponsors and new presentation partnerships with Vehicle & Equipment Finance and Young’s & Co Real Estate also contributed to this success.
In total $86,517 was raised to help aid the ongoing support to end-of-life care, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
GV Hospice Care president Jeanette Powell was thankful for another year of continued support.
“For 28 years, the GV Rallye team has been raising funds so that we are able to continue to provide a free palliative care service,” Mrs Powell said.
“In that time, they have raised nearly $1.3 million, which is just incredible.
“Year after year with a small group of people.
“The organisers, sponsors and the entrants, thank you for supporting us.”
Preparations will be under way soon for next year’s adventures. Families, friends, all cars, all ages — everyone is encouraged to get involved.
For information on the GV Hospice Rallye contact Kelvin Maude on 0418 992 270.