By JESSE GRAHAM
MOTORISTS from the Yarra Ranges and beyond are being asked to lend their wheels to a good cause next month as the upcoming Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise draws nearer.
The annual cruise aims to raise money for Healesville CFA and provide an afternoon of reflection on the tragedy that struck the Yarra Ranges and surrounds on 7 February five years ago.
Drivers will depart from Lilydale Industrial Park’s car park at 3pm on Saturday 1 February, making their way down the highway to Yarra Glen, then through Toolangi and Chum Creek, before finishing in Healesville about 50 minutes later.
The cruise finishes at Healesville Railway Station where cars will be on display from 4pm, and Exploded View will be performing live from 4.30pm, before a Remembrance Ceremony at 5.30pm.
Event organiser Stacey Bennett-Kinsmore said the event raised about $10,000 last year and that she hopes it will again this year.
She said that the cruise, which started in memory of Kate Ansett and Steve Fisher, who died during Black Saturday, provides an atmosphere and a space to help reflect on the fires and the time that has passed.
“It’s something you can’t explain – you have to come along and experience it for yourself,” she said.
“Cruising through the towns, you know you’re in a big group and that you’re there for the same reason.
“When we talk to people, they say they’re looking forward to it – it’s a chance to pay their respects and show that we still haven’t forgotten.”
Stacey said all motorists can take part, not just car enthusiasts or vintage car owners, and that she hoped to see about 500 cars in this year’s cruise.
Food and drinks will be on sale at the event, along with train-rides running from the railway station, and all money raised will be donated to Healesville CFA.
For more information, contact Stacey by calling 0421 321 203, or email bsrcruise@yahoo.com.au.
Entry to the cruise is $10 per vehicle, paid at the meeting point on the day or prior, if organised via email.
