SWAN Hill District Health will be front of mind when motoring enthusiasts hit the road to mark the 50th anniversary of the Swan Hill Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club this weekend.
In the club’s rally, which coincides with the celebration, 76 entrants and 43 vehicles take part.
The tour is designed to showcase the diversity and history of the region, while raising much-needed funds for SHDH’s dialysis department.
Club president David Daly said the club hosted a rally every five years, however this year was special given the club’s 50th anniversary.
“We’ve had strong interest in the rally, especially considering the economy at the moment and fuel prices,” Mr Daly said.
“We have people coming from all over the place, including Sydney, Adelaide and lots of new participants from Wagga Wagga and Wodonga, which will be nice.”
Mr Daly said there would also be a great selection of vehicles taking part in the rally, with participants expected to clock up about 200km a day exploring the region.
The Moulamein museum and woolshed, Sea Lake silo art, Nullawil’s historical village and Nyah’s tractor museum are among the destinations.
Their journey also hopes to make a difference to the lives of those undergoing dialysis at SHDH and the club hopes to raise at least $5000 with a goods and services auction taking place during the rally.
Mr Daly said a number of members were undergoing dialysis at the hospital and the donation towards a dialysis chair would help ensure treatment was a little more comfortable.
“We’ve had great support from local business who have made donations for our auction and we are very grateful for these contributions and to our sponsors,” Mr Daly said.
SHDH welcomed the news that proceeds from the rally would go towards the purchase of a new dialysis chair.
While the hospital has six dialysis chairs, a hospital spokesperson said the chairs were “quite old and in need of an update”.
The chairs cost more than $10,000 each but provide much comfort for patients who spend between four and five hours in them for each dialysis session.
“This donation will be a very much appreciated and significant contribution to the overall cost,” SHDH said.
“The comfort of our patients receiving this treatment remains a priority for us at SHDH.”
