The first Saturday of March means one thing to Orbost locals and the enthusiastic motorcycle riders who flock to the area to participate in The Orbost Annual Poker Run.
Engines were started and ready to rumble as riders headed west along the Princes Highway to begin the ride at Bairnsdale McDonalds last Saturday morning for the 14th annual event.
This year’s run saw a new route travelled for the first time with riders heading towards Meerlieu then on to the Lindenow Farmers Arms Hotel for stop one before a lunch stop at the Bruthen Hotel and on to Marlo before finally finishing up at the Orbost Club Hotel.
“The new ride was awesome, we loved it. We had no accidents or breakdowns, and it was just such a good vibe all day,” event president Kevin Goudge said.
“We had our largest number of riders ever with 207 participating.
“We even had a lady hear about what we were up to along the way, and she hunted us down at Bruthen to donate $500 to the cause – it just blows me away. It’s great.”
If you’re new to the Poker Run then the objective of the day is to get the best hand of cards, each one of five drawn at each stop along the route.
The person with the best hand at the end of the ride wins some great prizes which are donated by the event’s sponsors.
This year’s winner was Orbost local, Jennifer Owen, followed by Peter Hockey, of Lindenow, and Geoff Tatam, of Orbost.
Raffles were drawn and the beer garden was overflowing with patrons as they danced the night away to the tunes of The Electric Empire.
The Orbost Annual Poker Run originated in 2011 and was started by then Orbost Club Hotel owners, Mick and Debbie Colling, as well as many dedicated volunteers who have continued the tradition.
“Many local children and their families who have utilised the facility (Ronald McDonald House Monash) and we need to continue our efforts to ensure that the place is well equipped to help the kids in need,” emcee for the evening, Mark Glenister, said.
“As a definitive measure for the reward for the work and dedication of those involved in this great event.
“Last year folks, a cheque for $31,577 was handed over to Ronald McDonald Monash.
“The standing figure since this event began in 2011, as of December 31, 2023, has raised and donated a total of $354,290.
“All that money came out of this backyard, it’s amazing to come out of this little space and to be supported so wonderfully by the riders, the donors, the patrons and all the people who help us do what we do.”
A cheque for $3000 was donated by the Friends of Orbost Op Shop prior to the auction kicking off by auctioneer, Dick Johnstone, who fired up the crowd and got them keen to open their wallets in the name of a worthy cause.
While a final tally is not yet available and will be published in a later edition, there is no doubt that in usual spirits, this community and its visitors gave generously.
