Festival Fleeced for Charities

THE Festival of the Fleeces was bigger and better than ever this year and local charities have benefited from the committee’s generosity.

On Saturday committee members Cr Ron Campbell and Deirdre Peebles presented the Merriwa Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with cheques for $2,500 each.

Andrew Luke from Merriwa Volunteer Rescue Association, Deirdre Peebles, Rochelle MacDonald from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Cr Ron Campbell.

“The VRA and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service both provide essential services to the community and the committee is very pleased to be able to support both groups,” said Cr Campbell.

“We thank them for the vital work that they do,” he said.

Andrew Luke, from the Volunteer Rescue Association was thankful for the support.

“The VRA started in Merriwa as a result of a serious motor vehicle accident 38 years ago,” Mr Luke said.

“From here the community determined a need to have a dedicated group of volunteers to respond to a variety of emergency situations,” he said.

“Today the Merriwa VRA has state of the art rescue equipment and a team of highly trained volunteers.

This has only been made possible with continued support from organisations like the Festival of the Fleeces,” Andrew Luke said.

Rochelle MacDonald from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was also grateful for the generous donation.

“It is with the generosity of people such as the festival committee that our helicopters can continue their vital lifesaving role within the community,” said Ms MacDonald.

“Your support will ensure the long term success of the service and continue to be provided free of charge to the people of our region wherever lives are threatened,” Rochelle MacDonald said.

The 2017 Festival of the Fleeces will be held on Friday, June 9 until Sunday, June 11.