Enough Pokies in Castlemaine (EPIC) is raising funds to prevent the Maryborough Highland Society from receiving planning approval to install 65 new poker machines.

The Maryborough Highland Society plans to install the poker machines in an unused goods shed on state government land near the Castlemaine Railway Station. The society is yet to lodge a planning

application with the

Mount Alexander Shire council.

EPIC convener Prue Cole said the fundraiser would include silent

and traditional auc-

tions.

“The council has not yet received a planning application,” she said.

“Once that is lodged we will be fighting big

time.

“We are preparing for a fight and we are extremely determined as a team.”

Ms Cole said artists from across the region had donated art for the auction.

“We will have a silent auction first with

drinks and nibbles,” she said.

“Then we will have an EPIC update with what is going on.’’

The fundraiser is at the Theatre Royal on August 21 at 4pm.