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Dash for cash
Volume 49, No. 18, October 04, 2007 |
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READY, SET, GO: Runners storm away from the start of the Defence Lake Attack 2007. Part of the ADF’s annual fundraising campaign, the charity fun run/walk raised more than $200,000.
Photo by AB Quentin Mushins |
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Vintage Air Force aircraft added to the colour and movement in the 25th annual Defence Lake Attack at Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake when more than 2000 runners helped raise about $200,000 for charity.
The event comprised a five or 10km run or 5km walk, emphasising health and participation on August 26.
The number in this year’s event represented a 30 per cent increase on 2006 and organisers have set a target of 4000 for next year.
This year’s Lake Attack started with a bang, when the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Cr John So, fired a blank round from a 105mm artillery piece from Melbourne’s 2/10 Medium Regiment to launch the first wave of runners.
State Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, joined Mr So in the firing of a second round.
The field gun firing marked the beginning of the total Defence involvement in the day, which included vintage aircraft, commandos, Red Beret parachutists, a Navy helicopter, vehicles from 4/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment, two Bushmaster vehicles and displays from Defence Recruiting and Explosive Ordnance Services.
A 20-piece band provided by Army kept toes tapping throughout the day.
In the Defence teams section, the Defence Force School of Signals led the results table, closely followed by Melbourne’s own Army Reserve infantry battalion, 5/6 RVR.
Beaconsfield Upper Primary School was the overall winner of the inter-school challenge for achieving the highest ‘per capita’ participation.
Lake Attack Director, COL Lindsay Morton, said the event had become an exciting community activity, which showcased the ADF’s commitment to charities supported by the initiative of its members, while presenting the Victorian community with a healthy and fun-filled activity.
The final funds raised from entry fees and sponsorship is expected to be more than $200,000. The money will be divided between four Victorian charities, The Compassionate Friends, Legacy, Kidsafe and Redkite, which supports children with cancer.
All four charities focus on helping children and families. Each will receive up to $50,000.
Next year’s event will be held on August 24. Attractions include an Abrams tank, a rappelling display and commando weapons. |
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