Bourke and beyond rally for this weekend’s Radiothon

David Sharp. Photo TWH

Local communities are uniting for a cause close to many hearts, with the Radiothon Auction on Saturday, July 19th aiming to raise vital funds for Macquarie Home Stay in Dubbo.

The initiative is a collaboration between Outback Radio 2WEB and the Rotary Club of Bourke and is being supported by generous donations from businesses and individuals.

Leonie Brown, President of Bourke Rotary, said the event was shaping up to be a day which will involve the whole community.

“The Bourke Rotary Club and 2WEB have joined forces to coordinate the radiothon and we are looking forward to it coming to fruition,” she said. “We are very busy preparing at the moment.”

With 175 items now online for auction and $22,000 worth of bids already placed, Mrs Brown said now was the time to register and participate.

“I’m encouraging people to get online, have a look, register and start bidding,” she said. “It’s very easy to do. Just check out Outback Radio 2WEB or Bourke Rotary Facebook pages and there’s a very easy link.”

David Sharp, Operations Manager of 2WEB, said this was the station’s first radiothon for some time.

“This is the first radiothon we have done in 20 years, so it is long overdue,” he said. “I know Macquarie Home Stay and the Rotary Club have high expectations of raising $100,000.”

While acknowledging that times are challenging, Mr Sharp said community spirit was shining through.

“I know things are difficult for people and businesses at the moment, but they are coming through with items to donate and already bidding online, which shows the generosity of people in the western district,” Mr Sharp said.

“And the auction has a 21st-century twist, 20 years ago the internet was almost non-existent, so this radiothon is progressing with the times and technology.”

On the day, live auctioneering will take place throughout the morning and early afternoon, thanks to a team organised by Greg Seiler. Locals can visit the old laundry building workshop, a space generously offered by Kylie Fisher, to see a selection of items in person between 10am and 2pm.

“The Bourke Men’s Shed will be here doing a breakfast and lunch barbecue so people can wander on down and be part of the auction as well and grab a sandwich,” Mrs Brown said. “They’re kindly donating all monies raised from that to the Macquarie Home Stay once again.”

Mr Sharp said he wants the radio station to be an “open house”.

“People can come in, and the Rotary Club and Men’s Shed will be here at the station with a sausage sizzle, so come in and say hello and have a bite to eat. We want it to be a community event and for it to be fun in the building and fun on the air.”

Mr Sharp extended his thanks to the many contributors who helped make this weekend’s radiothon possible.

“We should acknowledge a lot of people behind the scenes,” he said.

“Rod Crowfoot is invaluable in helping to coordinate the radiothon. Rotary Club of Bourke has been excellent in helping to get items for the auction and coordinating that end of it.”

With bidding open from 8am to 5pm, Mr Sharp encouraged everyone to find a moment to contribute. “We understand on the weekend people have obligations, but if they can give time to make bids and support the Macquarie Home Stay, it will be appreciated.”

Mrs Brown summed it up simply.

“We are very, very excited to be able to raise some money for them,” she said.

To go to the live auction, check out the 2WEB Facebook page and click the link under Features.