Oaks Day fun

Neerim District Community House and Men’s Shed hosted a successful Oaks Day function on Thursday, with people travelling from as far as Melbourne for the event.

Sue Walden of Neerim District Community House said she expected the event would raise a small profit, which would go towards an ongoing fundraising effort for a shed.

The Community House and Men’s Shed do not currently have a facility of their own, instead meeting at a room available at the Neerim District Soldiers Memorial Hospital.

“We had a good turnout of about 50 women, which for a small community is very good,” Sue said.

“We did the catering ourselves this year, so we should get a small profit to go towards getting a shed.

“We operate out of a room available at the hospital and we’re working towards getting a shed.”

The event included sweeps, a racing quiz and lucky door prizes, with several local businesses donating prizes.

With Oaks Day traditionally considered as ‘ladies day’, members from the Men’s Shed acted as waiters.

The men also entertained with a novelty race, where they wore animal onesies and rode toy horses as they tried to decorate one of the women in attendance.

Fashions on the field added to the colour of the event.

“We encourage people to shop at our local Op Shop,” Sue said.

“We had an award for best Op Shop outfit and they were all quite glamorous.”

Sue said the event had been held for the fourth consecutive year, and had now been established as an annual event.

Organising tickets for the raffle were Magie Judd from Neerim South and Glen Manley of Wheelers Hill.Above: Enjoying the Oaks Day function with their bright colours and stylish hats are Sarina Johnson, Margaret Lockett, Dianne Tame and Julie Eversteyn.Right: Joan Forbes, Pam Pinkerton and June Edyvane dressed for the occasion.