THE Bridge to Bridge relaunch organising team is calling on the Cohuna community for volunteers to bring the event back in 2025 after a 12-month hiatus.
The revival of Bridge to Bridge is planned for the first Sunday in March, as per tradition, with the 2025 event scheduled for March 2.
“Save the date and we look forward to welcoming our community and visitors to the trail runs, fun run or walk, bike ride, and the popular Kids K and Event Village,” new Bridge to Bridge organiser Wendy Lunghusen said.
Organising meetings will be held at 6.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month at the Cohuna Neighbourhood House, with an invitation extended to any community members willing to lend a hand.
Over the event’s 30 years, Bridge to Bridge has transitioned from water-based modes of transportation to trail-running events, not only due to insurance and organiser capacity concerns but also to put their own spin on the event.
With the event options ranging from a fun run or walk of the 6km between the bridges, to a half marathon and up to a 50km cycle through the surrounding Gunbower Forest, the event is a chance for the community to show off their town.
“The event showcases the beautiful township, creekside and surrounding bushlands of the Cohuna community,” Ms Lunghusen said.
Ms Lunghusen told the Gannawarra Times that the return of the event had been welcomed by all and encouraged volunteers to donate any amount of time to complete the wide range of tasks needed to make Bridge to Bridge possible.
There’s no job too big or too small, and the community can get involved before the day in organising, taking bookings and carrying out administration, and through practical jobs on the day such as marshalling, providing first aid and checking registrations.
Bridge to Bridge will continue to donate 100 per cent of the funds raised to the Cohuna District Hospital for patient care equipment.
Having been an annual fixture for 30 years, the decision was made last year to cancel the 2024 event due to a lack of volunteers, with the former organising committee having more than halved over the years prior to the cancellation.
The resurrection is made possible by the nest egg left by the former organising team, designed to cover start-up funds and expenses in case of renewed community mobilisation.
From 2019, more than $68,000 was contributed to the hospital, bringing total donations to $173,000 since 1994.
Keen volunteers can attend the monthly meetings at Cohuna Neighbourhood House or contact Wendy Lunghusen at dcs@cdh.vic.gov.au
