Making a difference
After becoming the second recipient of a Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Police Assistance Dog last year Julie “Jules” McAlister’s life has changed dramatically.
Speaking at the Victoria Past and Present Policewoman’s Association Lunch and with Rochelle Jackson on ‘The Crime Couch’ program, Julie said that the black Labrador Charlie-Kane has made a major difference to her life. Julie’s been through a lot; including a PTSD diagnosis, being forced to retire due to “ill-health”, a suicide attempt and getting accidentally shot with a shotgun at a rifle range.
In March 2023, Julie was officially recognised for her service with Victoria Police, given an apology, her badge was given back to her “retired” and she was handed a certificate of service.
Since recently receiving her dog “Charlie”, Julie has been promoting this initiative, with her most recent interview on Rochelle Jackson’s ‘The Crime Couch’ giving listeners an insight into how a Police Assistance dog has changed her life and restored her sense of self-worth.
Listen (via the link below) to her interview with Rochelle and how the Police Assistance dog program has made an incredible difference to her life:
@protectingtheprotectors
Held around the picturesque Albert Park Lake, the 2025 Angela Taylor Memorial Run/Walk saw runners, walkers, juniors, nippers, veterans, seniors and pets turn out in record numbers.
With nearly 1000 registered participants and catering to match all levels of fitness, the event assists the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and its valuable work in providing new and improved emergency facilities in public hospitals throughout Victoria.
The Angela Taylor Memorial Run/Walk was started in 1989. This is community event is a 5km run/walk individual and team event or a 10km run to commemorate the life of Angela Rose Taylor who died as a result of the 1986 Russell Street bombing.
Members, staff and families from Victoria’s Police & Emergency Services and members of the public joined in and showed their support for the services that protect us and care in times of danger and disaster.
The 2025 GRAMPIANS “Ride to Remember” is now upon us and will be on Sunday, April 6th … just 9 days away, and finally we look forward to welcoming you to Ararat.
To those who have registered, we thank you for sticking with our event, just great, and others who still want to come along, you can book in via: https://www.trybooking.com/CVEUM
REMINDERS: To those who have registered by EOD next Monday, March 31st you will all go into the EARLYBIRDS draw for 6 bottles of Grampians Premium Shiraz courtesy of Clayfield Wines – Moyston.
Also if interested in attending the Welcoming Dinner at the Ararat RSL on the Saturday night, April 5th book your seat when registering, as there are only a few seats left.
REGISTRATIONS: The Ararat RSL will be open at 7am – 8.15am on the morning of the Ride, and all pre-registered riders/pillions will need to check in to receive their entry wristbands that is required for your morning tea/lunch plus you will receive the complimentary 2025 Commemorative Badge, Super Cool Neck Towel and Badge Sticker, plus bottled water will be available throughout the day. Also the RSL will have a Brekkie Menu happening with plenty on offer for everyone.
In addition, Day Registrations will be available – please fill in/sign the attached Registration Form and bring on the morning to the Day Registrations area.
The Ride will take off at 9am sharp following the Safety Briefing at 8.30am, and will travel via Crowlands to Stawell and onto Pomonal for Morning Tea (hosted by the Pomonal Tennis Club) … don’t forget to bring a little monies along to support their community raffle, great prizes and all funds supporting local.
The Ride is expected back around 12.30pm at the Alexandra Gardens/Ararat for the picnic lunch provided by the Ararat Lions Club plus there is the Show N Shine, Blue Ribbon Merchandising, Raffle Draw, Health Checks, Coffee Van etc.
ACCOMMODATION: This has been in demand locally, however if looking for something you can check out the following:
- Ararat Motorcycle Club: To register your interest in camping it is important you please contact David Coone: Mb: 0439 466 330 in advance.
- Acacia Caravan Park: Acacia Caravan Park | Ararat, Victoria – Camping, Caravanning, Cabins, Pet Friendly – Ararat Accommodation FB: (20+) Facebook
- G’Day Parks Ararat: G’day Parks Ararat, Victoria | G’day Parks FB: (20+) Facebook
DAYLIGHT SAVING: Sunday, April 6th from 2:00am (local standard time), sunrise an hour earlier and more light in the morning.
Again, we thank everyone for their great support and we look forward to conducting a ‘safe and enjoyable’ Ride.
The annual Ararat Branch “Black Tie” Blue Ribbon Gala Night will be held on Friday, 30th May at the Ararat Town Hall.
We would like to again invite you to be one of our supportive Table Captains and assist with hosting a table of 10 or 12 guests – we hope you can join us and ask, if you are keen, that you please confirm by EOD Friday, 21st March (Phone: 0419 316 920).
This will assist in having your table set up in advance on our try-booking site which will open up on Tuesday, 1st April.
We are also excited to announce that the entertainment will be an “Ararat Extravaganza” of local musicians directed by Dave Nicholson … this will bring together an array of the great talent we have in Ararat & District that will have you dancing the night away.
More details to come when bookings open, it is going to be big! Our Main Auction and Silent Auction looks to be better than ever.
Enjoy a fun evening while at the same time helping to raise funds toward a new Anaesthetic Machine in the Jason Bond Perioperative Unit at East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital).
The Blue Ribbon Foundation and #fightingptsdvicpol are please to announce our second Police Assistance Dog (PAD), Charlie has been allocated to a loving home with retired veteran Julie.
In 2023, The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation in conjunction with the #fightingptsdvicpol campaign commenced the PAD program. During this time, we have raised over $200,000 which is being held in Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundations mental health fund.
Charlie and Julie, who now lives in Queensland, are loving a brand new life and taking journies outside the constraints of a home. From just shopping in a supermarket to jumping on a plane to travel to Victoria, this would never had happened without the support of Charlie Kane.
Julie said that the training of Charlie is amazing. As a past breeder herself, she said Charlie’s ability to understand sensory and emotional changes is just incredible.
Charlie was trained in Queensland with Assistance Dogs Australia and was matched through a 12 month process supported by Blue Ribbon Foundation with the application forms filled in with assistance of good friend Margie Lewis.
Assistance Dogs Australia will continue to support Julie and Charlie forever.
The #fightingptsdvicpol campaign for nearly 9 years now has been raising awareness for PTSD and Mental Health for our Victoria Police members and Retired Police Veterans.
If any Retired Victoria Police Veteran is interested in making an application please utilise the contact details on our website.
It is life changing.
The new date for the year’s Ride to remember will be Sunday April 6th, this event was originally scheduled for February 2nd but was postponed due to bushfires.
The event is open to all licensed motorcycle enthusiasts. It will be hosted by the Ararat Branch of The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Once confirmed all route info will be available to view via the Trybooking link below:
Tickets and entry to the 2025 Ride can be secured via https://www.trybooking.com/CVEUM
Registration: $50 per rider/pillion which includes your Morning Tea & Picnic Lunch plus your 2025 Commemorative Badge, Bike Sticker, Super Cooling Towel and Bottled Water.
Check out all the details re the Show N Shine (Free Entry), Main Raffle (10 Great Prizes) plus our Merchandising range on offer.
The popular Welcoming Dinner ($15) is also on once again, if you would like to attend the dinner at the Ararat RSL on the Saturday night please book now as this is filling fast with limited seats available.“ Ride to Remember” looks forward to welcoming all participants to Ararat in April and would like to take this opportunity to please, take care and keep safe.
If you do not wish to register online, print registration page Click Here
Raffle 26 is open (December 13)
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Featuring the perfect combination of sleek style and design with space for the whole family, the Range Rover Velar is ready to be won as part of the $250K First Prize Pack.
With a classic Range Rover look, this car is agile and nimble for all of life’s adventures, fitted out with cutting-edge technology and the flexibility of hybrid driving. Plus, this incredible first prize pack comes with over $86,000 worth of cashable gold bullion, giving you the option to spend, save or invest as you please.
Raffle 26 closes 8pm AEST on Thursday, 20 March 2025 and Winners will be drawn and announced on Friday, 21 March 2025 at playforpurpose.com.au/winners and on our socials.
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The 2025 Grampians “Ride to Remember” will be held on Sunday, 2nd February and will be open to all licensed motorcycle enthusiasts.
The 196km Ride has been endorsed by Victoria Police and will start in Ararat at 9am and travel the rural countryside including Crowlands, Joel South, through Stawell and onto Pomonal for Morning Tea again this year, then into the Grampians National Park via Halls Gap to Yarram Gap Rd then back to Willaura, Maroona and onto Ararat for a relaxing lunch at the Alexandra Gardens – 2025 Ride route.
Entry is $50 per rider/pillion and will include the 2025 Commemorative Badge, Morning Tea & Picnic Lunch, Bottled Water, etc.
The popular Welcoming Dinner at the Ararat RSL is on the Saturday night (1/2) plus ordering of merchandising will be available with the opening of registrations on 1st November, 2024.In the meantime, take care, keep safe and we look forward to welcoming you to Ararat for an enjoyable Ride in February.
Win TWO cars!
First prize is worth $250k. A BMW X4 and an all-electric Mini Cooper SE plus $60k in gold bullion.Get your tickets now and also receive entry to early bird prize draws for raffle 25.
