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Gearing up for annual toy run

Josh Farrell

THE stereotype of motorcycle riders is that they’re big, tough, hairy and scary. The Red Knights are all of those things, but also, they are soft at heart. The local bikers are on a mission to help make sure local disadvantaged children enjoy a better Christmas. This year will be the 24th ride for the Keith Hamilton Toy Run, where the Red Knights chapter raises money and collects gifts and food for underprivileged children. Keith Hamilton began the fundraising event 24 years ago, which was taken over by well known local identity Ian Kennedy, who ran it for 19 years until he died tragically in a car accident. The Red Knights stepped up to continue Mr Hamilton and Mr Kennedy’s legacy. The group estimates that last year was its best yet — it raised the greatest amount of money in the run’s history. Club president Andy Young is excited for this year’s toy run, and is hopeful the Gippsland community can once again rally around and support it. “This time of year they [charities] are always looking for items, so we just want to help as much as we can,” Mr Young said. The club is looking fordonations of children’s toys, non-perishable food, children’s clothes, gift cards and cash donations. “Try and donate toys for children between the ages of five and 12 — we get lots of soft toys, so try and diversify,” Mr Young suggested. People will be able to donate at specific stores around Sale, such as GJ Gardener Homes and Sale Motorcycles. Esso Australia has already committed $5000 to the fundraising, and some local business have provided prizes for a raffle, including a watch, a barbecue and a line trimmer. Last year’s run had about 60 participants, and they will ride from the Sale clocktower to Maffra Men’s Shed, and then back into the main part of town where they will award their raffle winners. Toy run donations are distributed directly to Wellington Shire families by the Salvation Army and Vinnies.

The Keith Hamilton Toy Run is not just a worthy cause, it’s a fun day out.

File photo

Solar panels at Gippsland Water’s Traralgon office.

Gippsland Water aims for net zero by 2030

GIPPSLAND Water says it will aim to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Managing director Sarah Cumming said the organisation would work towards achieving net zero carbon emissions 20 years earlier than its previous target year of 2050. “We’re taking strong action now, to help preserve our precious environment for current and future generations,” Ms Cumming said. “We’ll achieve this by moving to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 and driving net greenhouse emissions down to zero by 2030.” “We’re already well on our way to reaching our first goal of reducing our carbon emissions by 24 per cent by 2025, thanks to a large scale native planting project, solar panel installations and other renewable energy projects,” she said. “We found that with ambition, effort and careful planning, we could go further and reach our targets sooner.” Six of Gippsland Water’s highest energyconsuming sites are already solar powered, with more to come, including at the Gippsland Water Factory. The water factory site is already powered in part by a biogas co-generation engine and a hydroelectric generator. Gippsland Water is one of 14 Australian and New Zealand water corporations who have added their voice to a global message that the water industry is tackling climate change, as part of the United Nations-backed Race to Zero campaign. These corporations, supported by Water Services Association of Australia, have partnered with UK Water in the Race to Zero campaign, which brings together the initiatives of the climate action community. The initiatives represent 733 cities, 3067 businesses and 120 countries in the largest ever alliance of its kind, covering nearly 25 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Members commit to transparent action plans and robust near-term targets.

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