The ‘RACE YA’ Family Fun Day Asthma Australia fundraiser will once again be held this Easter Sunday April 5 at Maldon’s Bill Woodfull Reserve.
The annual event is held in memory of Maldon teen Ned Cameron, 14, who died suddenly of an acute asthma attack in 2016.
Ned’s mum Kristy Lang-O’Connell initiated the event eight years ago to honour his memory, raise funds for Asthma Australia, and increase education about the condition.
An incredible total of more than $118,000 has since been raised in Ned’s memory through donations and RACE YA family fun days and Kristy is hoping to raise more money than ever at this year’s special Maldon Easter Fair event.
However, Kristy said it’s not just about raising money.
“As much as we want to raise money for research, it is also about education, awareness and creating a family fun day that is affordable for families and allows them to spend precious quality time together,” she said.
“In fact, this year in light of the cost of living crisis and petrol prices we have dropped the entry price to $5. Get the kids off their screens and down to the oval and join us for some fun. Life is too short to not enjoy time together,” Kristy said.
There will be heaps to do from running races to tug-a-war, face painting, gumboot toss, nail drive, the egg toss and much more.
There will also be a silent auction, a raffle, a vintage car display, motorbike rides, jumping castle, food and drinks and of course an Easter Egg Hunt!
“The Yabby Races are always a highlight and the lucky door prize will be the champion yabby!” Kristy said.
“While raising money for Asthma Australia we have also been able to give back to the community, implementing education, information and asthma emergency kits into local schools and sporting clubs,” Kristy said.
Support for this year’s event has once again been overwhelming with a number of local businesses generously donating items for the raffle and silent auction.
Be sure to get along and enjoy a good old-fashioned family day out this Easter Sunday at the Bill Woodfull Reserve, Francis Street, Maldon from 11am to 3pm.
Entry is $5. All profits and donations go directly to Asthma Australia. Donations can also be made to the RACE YA account at BSB: 633000 Account: 165 285 826.
“Every bit definitely helps, and we welcome donations big or small,” she said.
Run the Maine held a special event at Boomtown Winery & Bistro on March 24 to launch their 2026 fundraising campaign.
This year Run the Maine will celebrate its 18th edition!
To mark this special milestone the committee held an inaugural launch event to recognise the community that makes this event possible and unveil the committee’s vision for 2026.
On the night sponsors, supporters and guests heard from Race Director Gavin Krasner and the dedicated RTM Committee about why they support the event.
Those in attendance also enjoyed an address by Dhelkaya Health CEO Sue Race who thanked the hardworking committee, dedicated pool of volunteers, and community for the funds raised over the last 17 years.
Ms Race spoke about some of the items and projects which the health organsiation has been able to purchase and complete thanks to RTM’s contribution. These have included a BiPAP machine for patients with respiratory issues; exercise equipment for the Rehabilitation Centre; a SOZO machine for the Lymphoedema Clinic; and in 2025 funds towards the establishment of a Children’s Therapeutic Playground.
The audience also heard from Race Ambassadors about their passion for running and reasons for supporting the community event, and sponsors who are proud to partner with Run the Maine.
Race Director Gavin Krasner said the evening was a great chance to reflect on what they’ve achieved together — and where they’re headed next.
“As we approach our 18th edition, we’re aiming higher than ever — building on the $300,000 raised for our local health service and setting the pace for our biggest year yet,” he said.
Run the Maine 2025 was a record breaking event with almost 1200 participants and a staggering $50,000 raised for Dhelkaya Health.
Let’s help Run the Maine team smash their target in 2026! Super Early Bird registrations open on April 11. Visit runthemaine.org for more details.
With calm autumn conditions across much of the state, communities can expect to see smoke in the air as a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system, and agricultural burns take place over the coming weeks. While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning on some days.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said fire agencies must take advantage of favourable conditions when they present.
“Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires,” Mr Hardman said.
“Our climate is changing, and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is becoming more challenging. Autumn typically provides our crews more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable.
“With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are delivering as much planned burning as we can,” he said.
“Reducing dry vegetation such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.
“We work closely with CFA, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as possible. We make every effort to make sure favourable weather conditions reduce smoke drift into communities.
“Victorians can register to receive notifications of upcoming planned burns at the Planned Burns Victoria website.”
CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic said while fire restrictions are beginning to lift in some areas and landholders are starting to burn off on their properties, Victorians should remain vigilant before igniting their burn and ensure conditions are safe to do so.
“We are now seeing Fire Danger Periods end in some parts of the state, and we have been issuing a small number of agricultural permits for some farmers where restrictions still remain,” Mr Slijepcevic said.
“You may see a large amount of smoke in areas where these activities take place, so we ask farmers to let their neighbours know who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.
“Any burning activity must always have someone in attendance, with enough water resources to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively,” he said.
For greater awareness for emergency services and community members, burn-offs should be registered on the fire permits website or if you wish to start your burn-off immediately, register your burn-off by calling 1800 668 511.
The Planned Burns Victoria website has details of all planned burns currently on the three-year Joint Fuel Management Program, visit plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.
To find out what can and can’t be done during the fire danger period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-iCheck fire restrictions and register private burns at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found on the EPA’s website at www.epa.vic.gov.au
The music of Santana and The Doobie Brothers will come alive in Bendigo as this high-energy tribute show takes to the stage at The Capital Theatre on Saturday April 11.
Featuring a full live band of seasoned musicians, the show celebrates the iconic sound of two of the most influential acts in classic rock history — from Santana’s signature guitar-driven Latin grooves to The Doobie Brothers’ unmistakable harmonies and feel-good hits.Audiences can expect a dynamic live experience packed with timeless favourites including Black Magic Woman, Smooth, Long Train Runnin’, Listen To The Music and more.
With authentic musicianship, infectious energy and a setlist of foot-stomping, sing-along anthems spanning generations, this show promises a night of unforgettable live music. Don’t miss your chance to experience these legendary sounds live at The Capital. For tickets visit www.bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres/event/Listen-To-The-Music
