By MICHELLE HERBISON
BARWON Heads’ Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary will celebrate Melbourne Cup eve with a fun-filled evening of racing events to raise funds for disabled animal-lovers.
Jirrahlinga director Tehree Gordon said the Jirrahlinga Cup would feature phantom horse races, bookies, silent auctions and a fashions-on-the-field competition.
“We’ll have big screens like you have at the races and show actual real races from around the world. The person who has the most successful night takes away a cup.”
Gordon said all proceeds would contribute to a new Sensory Experience Centre for disabled people to experience the sanctuary through feeling, smelling and hearing its wildlife.
“Jirrahlinga is about educating people. We cater for people who have a disability, a special need, the frail or the aged and young people who have been socially disadvantaged,” Gordon said.
“What better therapy could there be than to come into a supportive environment to visit native Australian animals without placing demands on a person’s physical or mental capacities?”
Geelong’s Paula Kontelj will host the ‘fashions on the field’ event, with Renee Enright and Darryn Lyons judging.
The first prize winner will receive a $1000 voucher from Australian Skin Face Body.
Gordon said Jirrahlinga had dreamed of the Sensory Experience Centre since 2003.
“It’s amazing how the community are coming together to support this project.”
The Jirrahlinga Cup will run from 7pm to 11pm on 4 November at The Pier, on Geelong’s waterfront.
Tickets cost $65 from trybooking.com/dmvn or by phoning the centre on 5254 2484.
