The Glenaroua community hosted another successful Woolly Cup late last month, with nearly 100 community members gathering together for the fundraising event.
Organised by the Glenaroua Country Fire Authority brigade, the annual sheep race has been a fixture on the calendar for the past 15 years for the rural area east of Pyalong.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, who emceed the event for her second year, said the race was always a highlight for the community.
“The Woolly Cup is one of the most entertaining community events across our wonderful region. It is good old family fun,” she said.
“It not only brings the entire Glenaroua community together, but it also raises essential funds for the local fire brigade.
“On top of housing the brigade, the fire hall acts as a community hub for locals to gather for functions.
“I want to extend my thanks and congratulations to CFA captain Damian Laffan, secretary and treasurer Pam Beerens, Cheryl Greenshields and Leigh the auctioneer for another fantastic event.”
Ms Cleeland said volunteer-led events were crucial to the community spirit of regional towns and was proud to support them.
“Every year it seems that the community is getting more generous than the last, and I’m so glad to see the support for this event and the local brigade get stronger each year,” she said.
The Glenaroua CFA is expecting to raise close to $6000 from the race, with all money going towards the brigade, allowing for the purchase of new equipment, facilities, and essential repairs and maintenance for their vehicles.
Glenaroua CFA secretary Pam Beerens said the event worked as a community outreach program for the brigade on top of being a crucial fundraiser.
“The Woolly Cup provides our brigade with the opportunity to share information about what we do and encourage members of the local community to join our brigade,” she said.
“You can never have too many volunteers.”
All sheep are supplied by a local farmer, are well cared for, and are returned following the race.
No sheep were harmed, and a local veterinarian was in attendance to oversee the event.
