RIVERSIDE Park was the perfect backdrop for last weekend’s Mallee Cruisers Show and Shine event.
The event marked the club’s comeback from COVID-19 and was the first opportunity for the group to continue its fundraising efforts in support local mental health services.
Mallee Cruisers founding member and club president Tim Purtill said the club, launched in 2014, was formed to unite like-minded motoring and restoration enthusiasts, while raising much-needed funds for local mental health initiatives.
While other locally based car clubs focus on niches, Mallee Cruisers is open to all makes and models, incorporating street machines and novelty cars.
On Sunday, the sun was shining and so too were the vehicles, with about 120 entrants and a strong crowd of 600 people contributing to the success of the family-fun day.
Mr Purtill, who had been planning the event for the past 18 months, said it was great to have a public event back up and running.
“It was a beautiful day and we attracted entries from all over, including Melbourne, Shepparton, Echuca and Mildura,” Mr Purtill said.
He said entries included a range of makes and models, dating back to a 1928 Ford rod.
“We had hoped for 100 cars and it was great to see so many people showing support for the event.”
Mr Purtill said the fundraiser was very successful and while final figures were still being calculated, the event was expected to raise around $8000.
He said this money would be distributed to local mental health services, ensuring funds stayed within the district, supporting local causes.
“This is a really important element of what we do,” Mr Purtill said.
Local businesses also threw their support behind the fundraising initiative, donating a range of prizes.
The People’s Choice award went to Kevin Long with his 1975 VW Kombi and the President’s Pick award went to Chris Frankling with his 1966 XR Falcon sedan.
Mr Purtill said the club, following the success of this event, would focus on planning for the return of their signature events – Cruze for Awareness and RUSH (R U OK Swan Hill) – which would aim to raise awareness and funds for local mental health initiatives.
Mr Purtill said last weekend’s Show and Shine was a teaser for next year’s RUSH, with organisers setting a fundraising target of $40,000.
“It’s going to be a big one,” Mr Purtill said.
“We’re looking forward to getting RUSH up and running again next year.”
