Navorina tyre throw winner Sue Warren from Wee Waa, Navorina Fundraising Co-ordinator Justine Keech and Navorina Chairman Neville Purtill.
A unique fundraiser at the Deni Ute Muster raised more than $17,000 for the Navorina Nursing Home.
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Patrons bought ‘tiny tyres’ in a raffle, which were numbered and slowly tipped out of a Holden ute known as ‘The Admiral’ in the circle work arena.
The tyre closest to a designated pin was declared the winner.
The lucky number was 61, purchased by Sue Warren from Wee Waa, and she collected the $10,000 winner’s prize.
Navorina is the 2022 and 2023 charity partner for the Ute Muster, and festival general manager Vicky Lowry came up with the ‘tiny tyre’ concept as part of fund-raising efforts.
Mrs Warren was overwhelmed with her win, saying “my husband was born in ‘61, I just can’t believe it”.
It was her first time at the Ute Muster, having travelled with a group of eight.
“It’s my shout back at camp tonight,” she said.
‘The Admiral’ left its home on display at The Depot Historical Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection especially to participate in the fundraiser, with a device in the back that slowly tipped the tyres onto the arena.
John Haig and Jesse Soding were in The Admiral doing circle work in the arena to tip the tyres near the pin.
The Depot team members Jesse Soding and John Haig drove ‘The Admiral’ around to the cheers of the crowd.
“It was exhilarating; every time I revved the engine the crowd went crazy,” Mr Haig said.
“We were so proud to be involved in the event and to help raise money for Navorina.”
Navorina fundraising co-ordinator Justine Keech said she was “so grateful” for the support of the Ute Muster, and was looking forward to bringing the event back next year, bigger and better.
She hopes to start ticket sales to coincide with the release of festival tickets.
The Circle Work Giveaway sold about 560 tyres, with about 90 per cent of sales from out of Deniliquin, which organisers said was a bonus given the already generous support from the local community.
Navorina has so far raised more than $850,000 towards its goal of $1 million to help complete a multi-stage upgrade of the facility.
For more information on how you can donate, phone Mrs Keech on 0427 811 866 or Navorina business manager Skye Parks on 58 813944.
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