MELBOURNE Cup Day is more affectionally known as ‘Heather Holcombe Day’ in Port Fairy.

It is a day that celebrates the life of a fun loving, effervescent and compassionate women – a cherished wife, mother and friend to many. Heather was an extremely active member of her local community – volunteering with local football, squash, rifle clubs and anything local that needed a hand. She was on many community club and sporting committees, so her loss was felt widely.

Heather was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and passed away in November 2000 – a week after her 40th birthday.

Heather’s two children, Sarah, 18, and Chris, 16, at the time of their mother’s death, sought a way to both remember their mother and pay homage to the wonderful palliative care that she received at the Port Fairy Hospital.

Together with a group of family and friends, it was decided to celebrate in a very ‘Heather’ like way, with a glass of bubbly – by dedicating Melbourne Cup Day (which is very close to Heather’s birthday, November 5) as a fundraiser for Moyne Health. With the exception of the COVID years, the event has run every year since 2001. Donations from this day have also been made to The Make a Wish Foundation, Peter’s Project, The McGrath Foundation and others.

Planning for each Heather Holcombe Day is time consuming and takes a full 12 months of work to bring together. Tickets are purchased prior to the event, and it is held in the lounge at the Star of the West Hotel and includes a two-course meal. An auction of donated items is held between races and guests can take part in the Calcutta and race sweeps.

Heather’s sister in-law, Julie Holcombe, said: “It is made very easy for several reasons.

“Heather’s personality alone keeps it alive, she touched so many people who still want to be involved and help, the town is very generous in giving back and supporting Moyne Health and I think one of the big helps is that we don’t just write out a cheque and hand it to the hospital, we work with the relevant people at Moyne Health, working out what the best need is at the time and keeping the palliative room up to date and relevant. Once this is done, the hospital orders and we make the payment. I feel this is very important to stay in touch with what we do, and provide, and we know the funds do not go anywhere else.

“On top of that who doesn’t want to glam up, raise a glass, remember Heather and have some fun all while doing good for the community,” Julie said.

“All this work could not be done without the generous support and donations of the local business houses.

“The local businesses always get behind the day. The money raised stays local and will ultimately be of use to locals. Hospital staff and ex staff, as well as plenty of people from Port Fairy and its surrounding areas. The hospital is a wonderful example of what community support can achieve.”

This year’s event raised $10,912 – with well over $100,000 dollars donated since the Heather Holcombe Memorial Day was instigated. It’s a fun day, so if you can get along to next year’s, do!