By KATH GANNAWAY
YARRA Valley Smaller Wineries are punching above their weight when it comes to supporting local emergency services.
YVSW president Tim Cullen, of Payne’s Rise Wines, handed over a cheque for $3800 to the Upper Yarra SES last month, taking to $60,000 donations made to emergency services from proceeds of the annual Shedfest Festival and The Shortest Lunch.
The events, which have been running for 14 and 18 years respectively, highlight the unique aspects of the valley’s smaller wineries – with the added benefit of supporting the emergency service volunteers.
Upper Yarra SES Controller Steve Green said the $3800 donation was a great help to the unit.
“We have to update our vehicles very soon and these funds can go towards that,” he said.
“We would struggle to survive if we didn’t get people like those involved in the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries raising money through their events, and, of course, being so generous with it.”
Mr Cullen said YVSW members were very happy to be able to support the Upper Yarra SES, and other local emergency services, made possible in turn by the public’s support to make the events such a success each year.
The Shortest Lunch is coming up over the Winter Solstice weekend, 18 and 19 June, and diners can add an extra toast to themselves for their role in raising funds to support the emergency service volunteers.
“The Shortest Lunch is our way of celebrating the shortest weekend of the year in a relaxed, family-oriented weekend of progressive, all-day dining to ward off those winter chills,” Mr Cullen said.
“So, we would invite Yarra Valley residents to join us for the Shortest Lunch as we share the big things that are happening in the Yarra Valley’s smaller wineries,” he added.
For more details visit shortestlunch.com.au
