Community
29 April, 2026
Thousands raised for cancer research
UP to $29,000 was raised at this year’s Paddle Peterborough event to support Love Your Sister, highlighting the generosity of the Peterborough community.
In its sixth year running, Paddle Peterborough started on the morning of Saturday, April 11, with 40 participants braving the wet weather to start at the Boggy Creek boat ramp and paddle four kilometres upstream and four kilometres back.
Organiser Sally Loveridge said like in previous years, the weather held with tradition and was appalling for the venture.
“Luckily the valley provides a bit of protection from the wind, but not the rain,” she said.
“There were stand up paddleboards, a couple of canoes and a crazy team trying to paddle an inflatable rescue boat, which is hard work.
“All returned safely and were treated to a hot sausage and a brownie under the bridge out of the rain.”
Later in the day, at 6pm, the fundraising part of the day began at Peterborough Hall, where residents gathered to enjoy beef sliders courtesy of Midfield Meat and live music by Peterborough’s the Flamin’ 80s.
Children took part in a paper plane competition with a grand final fly off between Louis Wilson and Izzy Murnane, with Louis coming out the overall champion.
Three loads of wood, each with a wood burner from Woodpecker in Mornington, were auctioned off as part of fundraising efforts.
They were auctioned by Ray White’s Gerard Delaney and Bec Malseed with three locals having their wood delivered on Sunday, which Mrs Loveridge said was perfect for the recent bout of cold weather.
“Emcees Rob ‘Little Rob’ Wilson and Andrew ‘Willo’ Wilson did not let the pace slow with the raffle draws,” she said.
“There was a tense silence as the surfers all crossed their fingers hoping to win the hand- crafted Wizstix surfboard – and an air of disappointment when the winner was not in the hall.
“Other prizes included a 12 Apostles helicopter flight, Mitre 10 gift cards, Billabong wetsuits, Rip Curl clothing and a watch.
“Great prizes were also provided by Peterborough Licensed Grocery and Peterborough General Store and Takeaway.
“The limited-edition Paddle Peterborough printed t-shirts this year were pine green, a popular colour, provided by Avenue Promotions, Melbourne.”
Mrs Loveridge thanked all involved for creating a successful night and providing their support.
“A big thank you to every single person who donated, paddled, ate, drank and supported our fundraising event,” she said.
“The final total is not yet in but it will be about $29,000 – an amazing amount of money which supports Love Your Sister where every dollar donated is used for cancer research and precision medicine, where every cancer sufferer can receive the best treatment there is.
“It is an amazing amount of money for our small regional community.”
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