Gala night back in Ararat Town Hall

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch’s annual Gala Night of Nights will return to redeveloped Ararat Town Hall on Friday night.

Organisers of the 17th annual black tie event are expecting 250 guests and look forward to welcoming the many people who have supported the gala’s success over the years.

Importantly, they are also looking forward to again raising money for medical facilities and equipment for East Grampians Health Service.

Event co-ordinator Dianne Radford said to celebrate the night being back at its home base at Ararat Town Hall, Australian rock ’n’ roll legends Frankie J. Holden and Wilbur Wilde would headline entertainment. “This has been made possible by the generous support of the ACE Radio Network and AME Systems,” she said.

“Patrons will certainly be subjected to crowd-pleasing entertainment by what Frankie J. and Wilbur Wilde do best.

“They are sure to have everyone dancing and singing along to hit songs that have pleased Australian audiences for decades.”

Holden and Wilde will perform with a full rock ’n’ roll band, with members sure to be familiar with many followers of the Australian music scene.

Holden, Wilde and their band are renowned for providing high-energy rock ’n’ roll, with some describing the shows as ‘controlled mayhem’.

Mrs Radford said another highlight of the night, similar to previous years, would be gala auctions.

“This includes the main auction which will see items put under the hammer including a houseboat on the Murray holiday at Echuca, a Grampians ‘Under the Stars’ dining experience, a Grampians Helicopter and winery package and for the footy enthusiasts – a framed and signed jumper by the Richmond Tigers who won the AFL premiership in 2017.

“Our guest auctioneer will be David Preston. In addition, a silent auction will be happening for those who want to buy something on the quiet.”

The foundation’s acting Ararat branch president and police officer Sgt Shaun Allen said everyone was pleased the event was returning Ararat Town Hall.

“It has been the long-time home of our major fundraiser, other than last year when the venue was closed and we had our event at Ararat College,” he said.

Continued support

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“We are indebted to so many community organisations, businesses and individuals who continue to help us put the gala night together.

“We are especially grateful to our major supporters who have come on board as our long-term partners ACE Radio, AME Systems and Emmerson Financial Group, together with the many donors and volunteers, both locally and beyond, who give so generously.

“Importantly, our heartfelt thanks to all our table captains and their guests who continue to attend and dig deep and support us at the event, raising the extra dollars through the auctions and raffle.

“Over the past 16 years with their support, this event alone has raised more than $400,000 and has enabled our local health service to provide the best of facilities and equipment for our community.

“Pleasingly, we are currently working with the health service to identify a new project, which we hope to announce to the community later in the year.”

People with last-minute inquiries about the gala night can call Mrs Radford on 0419 316 920.