By Brendan Rees
Huge crowds turned out for some high-octane excitement as motorbikes rumbled into the streets of Cranbourne for the City of Casey biggest annual event.
Thousands gathered under blue skies to wave-off motorcyclists who headed en-mass from High Street to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Saturday 27 October.
Celebrity guest and comedian Arj Barker headed up the cherry picker, accompanied by the City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett, to conduct the flag wave-off.
City of Casey Deputy Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the atmosphere was electric and “really does bring people together.”
“It’s a real spectacle. We had about just over 7,000 bikes, and we had huge crowds. Everyone was in such great spirits with people giving so generously to the Casey Cardinia Foundation,” she said.
“Some of dress-ups were hilarious, there were cows, the Muppets, and there was a frog, the cookie monster.
“For the ones that attended for the first time they said ‘I can’t believe this event- it’s amazing’ something they’ve seen anywhere else,” she added.
Volunteers from the Casey Cardinia Foundation were out rattling tins with the community helping raise about $1000 which will go towards local community groups throughout the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.
“The Foundation was pleased to be chosen as the partner charity for the GP Run once again. It was a great opportunity for our volunteers to get out amongst the community to let them know about the great work the Foundation does as well as raise much needed funds,” the Foundation’s director Paul Thomas said.
“This year the Foundation was able to assist 20 organisations with a total of more than $80,000 in grants, whilst at the same time increase our funds in corpus to enable greater assistance and sustainability into the future. Anyone wishing to donate can go to caseycardiniafoundation.org,” Mr Thomas added.
Nineteen-year-old Sarah Heitmann, a student of Narre Warren South’s Vocal Performance School had the honour of singing the national anthem.
Attractions on the day included market stalls, food and drink vans, workshops for kids, face painting, sausage sizzles and a display from the Cranbourne fire brigade.
Casey Radio also broadcast a live-to-air coverage of the event.
Ruth Pedersen, who attends every year, honoured her late son Owen, a motorcycle enthusiast, by carrying his helmet.
“A lot of the riders acknowledge it and give a wave or a toot. Something to remember him, it is hard,” she said.
“He started dirt bike riding when he was about 15 or 16.
“He used to love going up to the mountains and riding up there. My daughter and I go (to the GP Run) when we can,” she said.
“Saturday was terrific day –they had really big crowds. Hearing that revving up of the bikes is always good.”
