Orange Whip to play at J Ward

East Grampians Health Service Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay teams are ramping up their training and money-raising efforts, with their next fundraiser an Orange Whip @ J Ward event on Friday.

The Cranks and Defibrillators, preparing to ride in the 525-kilometre event from Swan Hill to Port Fairy on April 6 and 7, have organised the event for 6pm in the gardens of historic J Ward in Ararat.

Health service community liaison officer Jodie Holwell said the fundraiser would be a great event.

“It is featuring the dynamic local eight-piece band Orange Whip, supported by young local vocalist Charlotte Harwood,” she said.

For the first time in many years, East Grampians Health Service will field a full team of 20 riders, plus four volunteer bus drivers and two volunteer support crew members, as well as a team manager.

Money the teams raise this year will go towards replacing treatment chairs in the health service’s dialysis unit.

Ms Holwell said Orange Whip @ J Ward was ‘bring your own’ everything, with Rotary Club of Ararat having a gourmet barbecue available, as well as its coffee van.

Tickets are $30 a person, with children 12 and under admitted free.

Tickets are available from EGHS front reception and Fosters Mensland.