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A FORMER NRL champion on a mission, one of the most exciting new of voices of Australian comedy and a worthy cause – it all adds up to a big Friday at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association.
The association is again hosting its annual AFL grand final eve charity luncheon.
It’s part of a big week for the club with two meetings in three days, starting today (Wednesday).
This year’s sell-out function is raising awareness and funds for brain cancer awareness and features former Newcastle Knights NRL star Mark Hughes.
The Knights premiership player – together with wife Kirralee - established the Mark Hughes Foundation in 2014 following his diagnosis with brain cancer.
The foundation aims to raise funds for research, create awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families.
A Beanies for Brain Cancer campaign, in partnership with the National Rugby League has raised more than $3.1 million.
Brain cancer kills more children than any other disease and kills more people under 40 in Australia than any other cancer.
The fundraising lunch, from noon to 3pm, will also feature comedian Sam Taunton.
It will be followed by an afternoon and evening of greyhound racing starting just before 3pm.
The event is being supported by the State Government with a $4600 grant from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with the association contributing $6500.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan hoped Bendigo would support an important fundraiser.
“The Grand Final Eve lunch and race meeting is a great opportunity for racing enthusiasts to get involved in a great day of racing, and raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation,” she said.
“We’re investing in the greyhound racing industry, because it provides important employment and economic benefits for Bendigo.”
Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association Manager Troy Harley thanked the government for its ongoing support.
“Our Grand Final Eve event will bring the Bendigo community together for some quality greyhound racing while helping to raise support for an important cause,” he said.
The first of 12 races on Friday is at 2.48pm.