LOCAL LIFE
Holden fans helping Hawkesbury IF YOUR WALKER IS OLD AND TIRED ... TRADE IT IN FOR A FREE NEW WALKER !
by Maryann Callaghan
With more than 15,000 visitors , the recent annual All Holden Day weekend at Hawkesbury Showground was deemed another successful community event .
Yes , it ’ s billed as Australia ’ s largest display of all things Holden , but what ’ s just as impressive as the turn-out is what happens to the money raised by the entrance tickets .
The NSW All Holden Day committee may be die-hard car fanatics , but they ’ re also dedicated philanthropists , unwavering in their commitment to improving the welfare of our community .
Committee president David Hawes told the Independent the annual show has just clocked over raising $ 1 million in its 35 years of operating .
“ It ’ s a great effort by everyone … we are here for the community and every bit helps ,” the Windsor resident said .
“ We donate to many causes . All the helpers at the event including the RFS , SES , Scouts and community groups receive money raised from the day as well as other local groups .”
The committee targets organisations that receive no government funding and people doing it tough .
Each year the president also gets a “ captain ’ s choice ” to donate money to a cause they select .
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IMMERSIVE THEATRE AT
ITS STARTLING BEST BROADWAY BABY
Following this year ’ s All Holden Day , Mr Hawes decided to help frail aged locals upgrade their old walkers after seeing a pair of women struggling with theirs .
“ I saw some elderly ladies trying to walk through Riverview Windsor shopping centre … the walkers had buckled wheels , they were leaning right over to one side as they were pushing them ,” Mr Hawes said , after also talking with people who said many models don ’ t have brakes , so sitting back on them was quite dangerous .
“ I decided there and then to fund some new walkers , good ones with bigger seats and brakes , and get older walkers refurbished .”
Working with Blooms The Chemist Riverview Windsor , the committee purchased 35 brand new walkers .
The idea , according to Mr Hawes , is for people to swap their old walkers without brakes for a brand new one .
“ We ’ ll get the old walkers , give them to the Men ’ s Shed Hawkesbury , they ’ ll do them up a bit and give them a new lease of life . It ’ s up to them if they either donate or sell them on .
“ Old walkers get a second chance , and the brand-new walkers with bigger wheels , brakes and bigger seats that can take up to 120kg are given to people who need them .”
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PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY SEE DO EAT
A total of 35 people will be able to get assistance with a new-for-old walker swap .
Meanwhile , Mr Hawes and the committee will be busy planning next year ’ s All Holden Day event , being held on the first Sunday of August . “ The swap meet and car show , combined with food , fun , exhibitions , rides and stalls is a winning combination for the community ,” he said .
Entries , as in previous years , come from across Australia , while volunteers work tirelessly to put the show together and promote the Hawkesbury .
The event , sponsored by Shannons , donates money raised through ticket sales to various community organisations including RFS brigades at East Kurrajong , Ebenezer , Lower Macdonald and Tennyson ; Monaro Car Club ; Ruff Track ; Ronald McDonald House ; St John Ambulance ; SES , Richard Coldy Lodge ; Hawkesbury Scouts ; the Living Room Soup Kitchen Richmond .
TO ENTER THE DRAW FOR A FREE WALKER SEND AN EMAIL TO allholdenday @ hotmail . com with name , address , phone number , and email address , and in 20 words tell us why you would like to receive a free recent new model walker with seat . Supplied by Blooms The Chemist Riverview Windsor and donated by the ALL HOLDEN DAY DISPLAY COMMITTEE .
BOOK NOW
Thursday 19 October
Doors Open 6.30pm ; show starts 7.00pm $ 70pp includes 3 course meal & 2 hour interactive show BOOKINGS 02 4736 4466 or www . thepioneertavern . com . au
BANQUET LUNCH ADULTS $ 125 • KIDS $ 65 SENIORS $ 113 MONDAY 25TH DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKINGS : 02 4736 4466
www . thepioneertavern . com . au
21 Aspen Street South Penrith This venue is committed to conducting all aspects of alcohol & gaming service in a professional and responsible manner as well as actively supporting the promotion and encouragement of responsible gambling .
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 161 // OCTOBER 2023 13