And, it’s busy preparing for a special event in November, raising funds for its next local project.
Committee member Wendy McCarthy said while Blue Ribbon was a Victoria-wide organisation, the money raised locally by its north-east branch was always spent in the region.
“We have done several projects at Benalla Hospital,” she said.
“All of which are dedicated to fallen police officers from the north-east, who were killed in the line of duty.”
She said the bed hoists that were recently funded not only helped patients, but also hospital staff, which was a win for everyone.
“These will be dedicated to a police officer who originally started off in Benalla, and is buried at Greta,” Ms McCarthy said.
“He was transferred from Benalla to Swan Hill, where he was sadly killed, 100 years ago.
“His name was Joseph Delaney, and he still has family in the local police.
“I believe his nephew only retired recently, after 24 years in the force, and his niece is at Tungamah Police Station.”
The official dedication of the bed hoists to Mr Delaney will take place in 2026.
Ms McCarthy said she was keen to let the community know that all funds raised for Blue Ribbon in the north-east were spent in the north-east.
This includes money raised at its upcoming event in Wangaratta.
“That is called Inside Story,” Ms McCarthy said.
“It’s where two detectives — and they’re not local detectives, they come from Melbourne — come and present a different story.
"They tell you how a crime was committed, show you evidence, and then tell you how the crime was solved.
“They involved the audience, so it’s a real interactive event.
“We did our first one last year in Wangaratta, then another in Wodonga where about 220 people attended.
“And we’re hoping for similar numbers in November.
“It is one of the best fundraisers we do because we have no overheads.”
Ms McCarthy said she was often asked where the money raised was spent, and was always happy to confirm it would stay in local communities.
“I think north-east branch has been going for about 15 years,” she said.
“In that time we have spent $400,000 at the Wangaratta Hospital, and about $320,000 at the Benalla Hospital.”
Ms McCarthy said one of the north-east branch’s regular fundraisers came from selling merchandise, and there would be some available at Inside Story.
“People support us very well with our merchandise,” she said.
“I work at Milner-Watson Pharmacy in Benalla, and we had a merchandise table there where we raised about $1300, which was really great.
“And we were at the Benalla Gold Cup as well.”
Inside Story offers a rare insight into the police investigations undertaken to solve some of Victoria’s most notorious crimes.
The event is strictly over-18s only.
Tickets are $50, with light refreshments provided and drinks at bar prices.
It will take place at the Gateway Motel, 29-37 Ryley St, Wangaratta on Friday, November 21 from 6.30pm.
Book your ticket via remember.org.au/events/inside-story
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