Vedran Drakulić OAM Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation

In his new role, Mr Drakulić will lead the Foundation’s strategic direction, fundraising activities and stakeholder engagement, supporting the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to enhancing policing resources, hospital facilities and trauma care for the Victorian community.

Mr Drakulić said it was an honour to be appointed CEO of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.

“The Blue Ribbon Foundation has a proud history of supporting Victoria Police and improving outcomes for victims of trauma,” Mr Drakulić said.
“I look forward to working closely with the Board, donors, volunteers, Victoria Police, the Blue Ribbon branches and our many community partners to build on this significant legacy and ensure the Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference across Victoria.”

Mr Drakulić succeeds Neil Soullier OAM who the Board thanked for his dedication and long-standing contribution to the Foundation.

The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation (originally named the Tynan-Eyre Memorial Foundation) was established in 1988 and has since raised millions of dollars to help fund new and upgraded emergency and trauma care equipment and facilities in Victorian public hospitals, each named in memory of police officers who died in the line of duty.

A record contigent of 580 riders and pillions from across Victoria, SA and NSW took part in the 18th annual Grampians “Ride to Remember” on Sunday, February 1st.
With cooler conditions motorcycle enthusiasts came out in force arriving in Ararat from Friday onwards, with many of the 460 plus who had pre registered taking advantage of a weekend in the area, and those who chose to register on the day mostly from across the local region making up the record participation for the 2026 Ride.

Led by Victoria Police Solos and followed by the Victoria Police Forward Command with Acting Snr Sgt Shaun Allen at the helm then Ride Patron Paul Margetts, the Ride travelled out via Tatyoon Road to the rural countryside taking in Maroona, Lake Bolac, Wickliffe before arriving in Willaura for morning tea which was prepared by the Willaura Health Care Auxiliary volunteers with a number of Pomonal supporters coming along to assist after doing the morning tea last year.

After an hour break to rehydrate the Ride took off again and headed via Yarram Gap Road to the Grampians National Park and then south through last year’s fire affected area to Dunkeld. The Ride then started the journey back to Ararat via Glenthompson to Willaura/Moyston Rd, turning into Andrews Lane and back through to Ararat arriving at the Alexandra Gardens ontime with everyone eager to pickup their Ararat Lions Club prepared lunches and rehydrate with plenty of bottled water on offer, in addition to picking up a hot drink from the IC Coffee vans. It is worth noting that the Ararat Lions Club have catered for the Ride for many, many years and again did a great job, this year preparing 600 lunch boxes.

The Show N Shine aspect of the Ride again attracted good entries and longtime sponsor Shannon’s Insurance’s David Waight assisted in the presentations of the six category winner/runner prizes. Together with Horsham Harley Davidson both have supported the continuation of the Show N Shine every year. Ararat Branch President, Dianne Radford said: “ We have had a most successful 2026 Ride which kicked off with a full house at the Welcoming Dinner at the Ararat RSL. It was great to see many familiar riders/pillions attending and the extra activities added to this function makes it more popular each year.
The Ararat RSL team did a great job on the night, then had to regroup for a very early start on the Sunday morning catering for brekkie prior to the Ride taking off.
The Ride itself was conducted safely and was most enjoyable with lots of comments of how spectacular it was travelling through the Grampians National Park and to see the regrowth following the fires of last year.

To everyone involved Blue Ribbon/Ararat puts out a big thank to our Victoria Police, Marshals, Vehicle and Medical Support who did a great job out on the Ride in addition to the Ararat Rural City and the Willaura community for their involvement. Well done to the Ride Sub Committee, Branch members and partners, plus the many communty volunteers who helped out at the Ararat RSL registrations and at the Alexandra Gardens, in addition to those who helped out leading up to the event we certainly could not have done such a big event without you all – a fantastic effort.
Importantly the Ararat Branch acknowledges our major sponsors AME Systems, ACE Radio, Ararat Rural City, TAC, the Ararat RSL and the Ararat Advocate together with the many other supporters who all assisted in making the 2026 Ride the best”.

Tickets are now on sale for Play for Purpose Raffle 30.

Our fundraising raffle is now valued at $400,000 with 395 prizes on offer.

First prize is valued at $300,000 including a BMW X3 valued at $99k a Mini Countryman valued at $60k and over $140k in Gold Bullion.

Where would you travel to if you won the Flight Centre second prize voucher valued at $20k?

Money is tight at the moment, so third prize of a $12,500 VISA voucher would come in handy. (Woolworths voucher if located in Vic)

The list of prizes goes on and on: $5,000 JB Hi-Fi voucher, $2,500 Woolworths voucher, $500 Myer vouchers and Amazon vouchers.

Raffle 30 closes at 8pm AEST on Thursday March 12 2026 (unless sold out prior). Winners will be announced on Monday March 16 on the Play for Purpose website.

Join us for a spectacular 221km Ride!

Starting from Ararat at 9am, this scenic journey will take you through the beautiful rural countryside, passing through Tatyoon, Maroona, Lake Bolac, and Wickliffe, before stopping in Willaura for a relaxing morning tea.

From there, continue through Yarram Gap into the Grampians National Park, where you’ll have a moment to reflect on last year’s bushfires and witness the incredible regrowth across the landscape. The ride then travels onward to Dunkeld, returning via Glenthompson and Willaura to Ararat, where a well-earned lunch awaits at the Alexandra Gardens.

In honour of Blue Ribbon Day and in memory of the recent passing of Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, police members, volunteers and community groups across Victoria have stepped up to show their support for the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

In Melton, the Police’s volunteer group — the Melton Community Safety Register (MCSR) — continues to make a meaningful impact by phoning some of the area’s most vulnerable and elderly residents each weekday morning. At their annual dance last week, the group took the “Blue Ribbon Tin” and merchandise along, selling nearly all of their pins and ribbons. With generous donations from attendees, the fundraiser is believed to have raised hundreds of dollars, helping to support the foundation’s important work.

At Wangaratta Police Station, staff and community members created a powerful display to mark Blue Ribbon Day, honouring fallen officers and raising awareness of the foundation’s mission. The display drew steady attention throughout the week, encouraging locals to pause, reflect, and donate. Officers reported that many members of the public contributed to the cause, with donations flowing directly to the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Meanwhile in Bendigo, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s local branch partnered with Bendigo Health to host a fundraising event. Volunteers and staff sold ribbons, pins and merchandise at the hospital, with a steady stream of patients, staff and visitors showing their support. The initiative raised significant funds for the foundation while also strengthening ties between the police, the health service and the wider Bendigo community.

At Craigieburn Library, a dedicated Blue Ribbon Day display was set up to raise awareness and honour those who have given their lives in the line of duty. The display attracted the interest of many library visitors, sparking conversation and community engagement. Even after the Blue Ribbon Day materials were removed, the display continued to draw attention — now featuring a bright pink cap as a new point of interest. The library hopes to keep the display in place until the end of October, with plans for the CFA to contribute materials to promote bushfire awareness heading into summer.

Buy your raffle ticket by 8 October 2025 and you’ll go into the Early Bird Bonus Draw to win a $10,000 Flight Centre Voucher.

Each ticket is an entry into the Early Bird prize plus the $300,000 First Prize Pack and 394 other prizes. Don’t miss out, tickets are just $10!

Tickets are now on sale for Raffle 29, with 395 prizes worth $400,000 up for grabs.

First prize is a $300,000 pack — a brand-new Toyota Prado Kakadu plus $188,000 in gold bullion.

Other prizes include a $30,000 Flight Centre Voucher, $15,000 VISA Gift Voucher, a $10,000 JB Hi-Fi Voucher, and a $5,000 Woolworths Voucher, plus hundreds more.

Buy before 8 October 2025 to enter the $10,000 Early Bird Bonus Draw.

Tickets are just $10, Raffle closes 11 December unless sold out.

East Gippsland Football Netball League recently awarded their Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Sport awards for 2025.

The Under 15 netball award went to Holly Hanratty, Under 17.5s football award went to Sam Dekkers. The Under 17.5 Most Disciplined Football Club Award was won by Lakes Entrance. The Under 17.5s Football coach of the Year was awarded to Jordan Cullen from Lakes Entrance FNC and the Junior Umpire of the Year was won by Liam Kool.

MELBOURNE

MARCH & NPRD SERVICE

10.00am, Monday 29 September

We invite all police members (past and present), their families and the Victorian community to join the official march and service for National Police Remembrance Day.

The march (step-off) and parade will start at 10am from Princes Bridge, St Kilda Road.

The parade will move along St Kilda Road to the Victoria Police Memorial, King’s Domain, Melbourne.

A service will follow from 10.20am at the Victoria Police Memorial, Kings Domain.

BACCUS MARSH

Details to be provided

BOROONDARAH

2.00pm, Monday 29 September

Boroondarah Police Complex

34 Harp Road, Kew East 3102

DONCASTER

12.00pm, Tuesday 23 September

Doncaster Police Station

979 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster

SUNSHINE

11.00am Thursday 25 September

Club Italia

128-152 Furlong Road, Sunshine

Guests are requested to arrive by 10.45am for the 11.00 start

Refreshments will follow the Service.

SPRINGVALE

END OF DAY REFLECTION SERVICE

4pm, Monday 29 September

Springvale Botanical Cemetery

Victoria Police Memorial – Cnr Fifth & Sixth Roads

Outdoor Ceremony followed by refreshments

REGIONAL VICTORIA

ARARAT

11.00am Monday 29 September

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

47 High Street, Ararat

Refreshment after the Service

BAIRNSDALE

10.00am Monday 29 September

St John’s Anglican Church

2 Francis St, Bairnsdale

BALLARAT

11.30am Monday 29 September

St Peter’s Anglican Church

1307 Sturt Street, Ballarat

BENDIGO

10.00am Friday 26 September

St Paul’s Anglican Church

4 Myers Street, Bendigo

Police members & Veterans wishing to march:

March will commence from Williamson/ Myer’s Intersection.

Form up point: 10 Myers Street by 9.45am

March will commence promptly at 10am.

HAMILTON

10.00am Monday 29 September

Hamilton Performing Arts Centre

113 Brown Street, Hamilton

HORSHAM

10.00AM Monday 29 September

St Michael and Johns Catholic Church

13 McLachlan St, Horsham

KORUMBURRA

10.30 am Monday 29 September

St Paul’s Anglican Church

3 Queen St, Korumburra

MACLEOD

10.00am Monday 29 September

Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre

31 Forensic Drive, Macleod

MILDURA

11.00am Monday 29 September

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

259 Eleventh Street, Mildura 3500

ROSEBUD

10.30AM Monday 29 September

Rosebud RSL Club

117 Eastbourne Road, Rosebud

Police Memorial Service followed by light refreshments

SEYMOUR

11.00am Monday 29 September

Seymour Police Station

58 Tallarook St, Seymour

Morning tea to follow service

SHEPPARTON

10.30am Monday 29 September

Monash Park (cnr Fryers Street & Welsford Street)

Refreshments following the Service at Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre.

WANGARATTA

9300 am Monday 29 September

Wangaratta Turn Club

1-15 Racecourse Road, Wangaratta

WARRNAMBOOL

10.00 am Monday 29 September

Old Police Station Memorial

Gilles Street, South West Warrnambool

WODONGA/ALBURY

10.00am Monday 29 September

St Mathews Church

Keiwa St, Albury

Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch Vice President, Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Allen and Kate Gleeson recently presented the Ararat and District Junior Football Association ‘Spirit of Sport’ fairest and best awards to Kobe Foster (Warriors), Bohdi Horvatek (Rovers), Hugh McMahon (Mounties) and Tom King.