The Gunnedah shire felt the highs and lows of Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday last week, which was a perfect opportunity to raise money for Ripple Effect.

This was the second year the Railway Hotel raised a portion of funds from its long lunch event for the mental health organisation.

The event also provided the opportunity for members to engage with the community.

Ripple Effect’s Kate Pinn said it is about supporting wellbeing in Gunnedah through education and community connection.

Last year’s Melbourne Cup Day success meant the organisation was able to fund the teen ‘Mental Health First Aid’ training, which was recently brought to Gunnedah.

“Hopefully we can run another youth or teen mental health day in 2025,” Kate said.

Tambar Springs CWA’s Helen Strang presenting Ripple Effect’s Jacinta Mannion with a $500 donation.

She said it costs about $100 per child to run teen Mental Health First Aid and hopes in future people may sponsor a child.

“Mental Health First Aid is just one example of where we put the money and [we] also listen to our community to see what they deem as important,” Kate said.

“I think we would like to continue to do community events to promote Ripple Effect, wellbeing and connection in a lot of different ways.

“We have had a few businesses get behind us, booked tables and brought their staff along to celebrate the Melbourne Cup together.”

Kate said Railway Hotel owner Josh Launders has been a large supporter of the group.

“[Josh] has worked really hard to make [the long lunch] have a bit of a Melbourne Cup feel with the setup,” Kate said, further complimenting him on the food and aesthetics.

Guests mingled while canapé circled the outdoor setting.

The event also provided raffles, a best dressed competition, a photo backdrop with fresh flowers for the perfect picture, the expected sweeps and live illustrations from Cat Long.

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