SIXTY-ONE riders joined forces to help raise $6091.70 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in the Croppa for the Chopper charity bike ride.
Riders from Goondiwindi, Moree, Croppa Creek, North Star, Yallaroi, Grafton and Pottsville
set out from North Star on a perfect winter’s morning and rode 29 kilometres to Croppa Creek
Soldiers Memorial Hall, where lunch and refreshments were served, and raffles drawn.
Event organiser, Croppa Creek Store owner Carolyn Bellman, said the day was a huge success.
“We had 79 people for lunch, with beautiful weather,” Mrs Bellman said.
“There was light traffic and very respectful road users, and beautiful crop scenery along the way.
“Everyone stopped for morning tea stop at the gate way to Yannarie and delicious food was catered for by the committee and the community,” she said.
A Pilot K17PS tallboy air compressor donated by Compressed Air Light & Power in Moree was won by Anthea O’Sullivan and an 8-speed Trek 1000 bicycle donated by Grahame Way from Pottsville, was won by Inland Rail employee “Ronnie”.
Dan Shelton won an Apple iPhone 14 donated by Michael and Kate Owen, from Tullin Tulla Beef between North Star and Croppa Creek and Meg Tighe won a Double Delight Rose.
The event was supported by Croppa Creek Rural Fire Service, Gwydir Shire Council and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Moree Support Group, with all food for the lunch sponsored by Croppa Creek Store.
“The morning was a wonderful way to celebrate the amazing aeromedical, search and rescue service this not-for-profit vital service provides the community,” Mrs Bellman said.
Words: Bill Poulos
Image: Supplied
