Friends gather for Benjeroop benefit

By Bridget Cook
THE Cranbourne Turf Club is set to host a benefit function to raise funds for Benjeroop – a Victorian country town still under water from the February floods.
The Rebuilding Benefit for Benjeroop, to be held on Sunday 15 May at Cranbourne Racing Centre, will include a three-course meal, drinks entertainment and a ‘mega auction’, with all funds to go to the Northern Victorian town.
The event was organised by several Cranbourne racing identities, who are friends with Benjeroop’s chief flood warden Lindsay Schultz.
It was through this that they knew how the deluge devastated the country town.
In January, floods struck many towns in central and north western Victoria.
Two weeks after this rain event, the huge inland sea found its way to Benjeroop. The small town sits where the Loddon, Murray and Little Murray rivers converge, as well as the Pyramid and Barr Creeks, so nearly all of the water had to pass through.
But unlike most parts of the country, Benjeroop has remained underwater ever since. About 25 houses were inundated, with most unsalvageable, and farms remain underwater.
The local identities wanted to help and have been flooded with support from the community.
To support the Rebuilding Benefit for Benjeroop, people can either attend or donate goods for the auction.
There has already been heaps of items donated for the auction. Items include a Holden Cruz sedan from Cranbourne Holden, a Toyota Yaris from Berwick Toyota, flights for two to Bali from Virgin Blue Airlines, cattle to be donated and sold at the livestock venue at Pakenham with all proceeds to the benefit. There are also equine packages, a Metung accommodation package and framed photos of legendary race horses Makybe Diva, Northerly, So You Think, More Joyous and Black Caviar.
On the day, a jockey will wear Collingwood Football Club coloured silks, the colour that Benjeroop Football Club wear. The silks, which will be signed by members of Collingwood, will then be auctioned off as well.
The feature race of the day will be the Benjeroop Cup.
The Rebuilding Benefit for Benjeroop will be held in a huge marquee at the Cranbourne Racing Centre on Sunday 15 May from noon.
Cost is $85 per person for a three-course meal, drinks and entertainment.
To book or to donate goods for the auction contact Debbie at the Cranbourne Turf Club on 5996 1300.