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MOTORCYCLISTS RAISE $33,000 FOR AUSTIN HEALTH | NEWS

The Ducati Owners Club of Victoria has celebrated the end of their 40th Year celebrations by donating $32,979.36 to the Victorian Spinal Cord Service (VSCS) at Austin Health

Garry Elphinstone, President of DOCV, said the club took on a significant workload in arranging several events to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary but we felt it worthwhile to also provide some community benefit to mark this milestone. The raffle was to support the great work done by the VSCS. The club is proud to have sold all tickets and has donated almost $30,000 to this worthwhile cause. This will allow the VSCS to upgrade equipment and facilities and support patients and families during difficult times.

DOCV would also like to extend their special thanks to motorcyclists and friends from around Australia for their support of our cause; Bikesales.com.au, MotorcycleWriter.com, and AMCN for their generous support in spreading the word regarding ticket sales and to Fraser Motorcycles and Mornington Ducati for their assistance regarding prizes.

Austin Health representatives Belinda Rickard, General Manager (Acting) Neurosciences & Spinal Services and  Erin Garner, Manager of Spinal Community Services attended the draw to select the winning entries.

The lucky prize winners were:

1st Prize – Geoff Audsley, Elliminyt, Vic – Ducati Monster 1200S

2nd Prize – Allan Mill, Lawson, NSW, – $2,000 of motorcycle apparel

3rd Prize – Angela Butler, Torquay, Vic – $1,000 Red Balloon Voucher

With first Prize, Garry Elphinstone (DOCV), Geoff Audsley (Winner)

The donation will help the spinal patients in many ways. The funds will be used to purchase new equipment for  supported living (transitional) apartments. The remaining funds will be set aside for the Ward 3 North balcony area which is in much need of a facelift for the patients and families to enjoy. For this, the staff and patients at Austin Health are so grateful to DOCV and everyone that has supported this fundraising effort. “You are truly making a difference and it is fantastic to have you on our team”, says Melissa Cramp, Fundraising Community Engagement Officer at Austin Health.

Spinal Injuries Facts

  • Around 12,000 people in Australia today have a spinal cord injury (SCI).
  • 350 to 400 new cases are recorded each year.
  • Transport-related injuries account for most spinal cord injuries in Australia.