Merriwa’s Festival of the Fleeces is famous for immaculately groomed sheep streaming down Bettington Street in vibrant red knitted socks.
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At a ceremony held at the Merriwa Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) headquarters on Saturday, Festival of the Fleeces committee member and Upper Hunter Shire Councillor Ron Campbell said he was delighted to present cheques to the Merriwa VRA and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“This year was the 26th anniversary of the Festival of the Fleeces and it proved to be one of our biggest and best events to date,” he said.
“Thanks to a great effort made by the committee in securing donations and sponsorship this year, we are thrilled to be able to present these cheques for $2500 each to the VRA and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“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.
“We thank them for the vital work that they do.”
Merriwa VRA spokesperson Andrew Luke said it was community support that kept the service going.
“The VRA started in Merriwa as a result of a serious motor vehicle accident 38 years ago,” he said.
“From here the community determined a need to have a dedicated group of volunteers to respond to a variety of emergency situations.
“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.”
Cr Campbell presented a cheque to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service representative Rochelle MacDonald who said that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has proudly provided emergency rescue services for over 40 years.
“It is with the generosity of people such as the festival committee that our helicopters can continue their vital lifesaving role within the community,” she said.
“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.”
The 2017 Festival of the Fleeces will be held on June 9-11.
If you would like to sponsor the Festival or join the organising committee, please contact Jan Sinclair at jsinclair@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
