mmg.com.au

The Union Hotel will host a special fundraiser on Australia Day to help realise the dream of the late David Ribbons.

Mr Ribbons, a well known Heathcote resident, died suddenly on January 9.

Family and friends decided the best way they could celebrate Mr Ribbons’ life was to pitch in to help with the cost of completing Mr Ribbons and wife Trudy’s dream home, which they had been building together.

‘‘We’re focusing on raising as much money as we can to help with getting the septic system in and the fences,’’ Union Hotel manager Lyn Edwards said.

‘‘Dave was a good Aussie bloke and I think Australia Day is the perfect day to celebrate his life.’’

The fundraiser starts at noon with fun and activities planned including a barbecue, live entertainment, raffles, games and giveaways.

There will also be a live auction in the afternoon which includes a live sheep donated by a district resident, gift vouchers to try bull riding, go karting or mini-golf and a highly prized print of the late Peter Brock, signed by the racing car driver before his death.

Singers and musicians are also invited to come along and take part in an open jam session, while anyone with a sweet tooth can test their skills at guessing how many Redskins — David Ribbons’ favourite lolly — are in a jar.

‘‘One of the prizes on the day will be a liquor-filled esky and we’ll also have a coin toss competition to see who can get closest to the bottle, so the day should be a lot of fun for everyone,’’ Mrs Edwards said.

Storytellers are invited to join in by sharing their yarns and jokes.

The fundraiser starts at noon on January 26 with the yarns and jokes session starting at 2pm and the live auction about 4pm.

For information, contact the Union Hotel on 54332032.