Page 6 The Moorabool News – 10 May, 2022
News
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Race to help save memories In tribute to his father, a Moorabool man is getting on his motorbike to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, taking part in a two-day race through desert country in the Northern Territory. Peter Bedford from Bacchus Marsh will participate in the Finke Desert Race over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, inspired by his dad Chris, who died from early-onset Alzheimer’s aged 67. Chris Bedford was diagnosed with early-
onset Alzheimer’s disease at just 59 years of age, and for seven years he battled the disease, before passing away last year. The Finke Desert Race leaves from Alice Springs to the remote community of Aputula (formerly Finke) on Day 1, then heads back from Aputula to Alice Springs on Day 2 – a journey of around 230 km each way. It’s known as the toughest off-road race in Australia, and is often compared to the Dakar Rally – but Mr Bedford is keen to twist the throttle come June 12. “Up on my wife’s farm I’m always on the
Community Information Sessions Grampians disAbility Advocacy invites you to a community information session about the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The Disability Royal Commission is taking submissions up until December 31, 2022. Speakers from advocacy, legal services, counselling and the Royal Commission will be there.
Sessions will be held at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre 13 Camp Street, Daylesford
on May 24th 2 - 4pm and
Bacchus Marsh Public Hall
motorbike…and the race is always something I’ve wanted to do, bit of a life challenge so to speak. When Dad passed, I thought, he didn’t get a chance to do everything he wanted to do. Life’s too short, I thought, I’m just going to do it,” he told the Moorabool News. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous about the race...I’ve been out on the bike every week practicing since about November.” Mr Bedford said his father’s diagnosis was one of many examples proving that Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the elderly – a fact he is keen to raise awareness of. “I guess I think more about my kids…if I can do something to help prevent something happening to them, that would be good. But also, to try and make people aware of it too…it’s not just an old people’s thing, it can happen to anyone,” Mr Bedford said. “I think the boat’s sailed for me, I’m probably going to get hit with Alzheimer’s unfortunately. But I wouldn’t want my kids to get it.
“Raising money for the Foundation is brilliant…but making people aware that it doesn’t discriminate is important too. When Dad first got diagnosed and put in a nursing home, there was a woman there in her mid40s,” he said. Mr Bedford is self-funding his participation in the race, with all money donated going directly to the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. At the time of writing, Mr Bedford has raised $22,195 out of a $100,000 target. If you’d like to add to that tally, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/in-memory-of-chris-bedford. For more information and for updates of Peter Bedford’s fundraising efforts, visit Riding To Help Save Memories on Facebook. Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, with Alzheimer’s disease responsible for most of those deaths. Without a medical breakthrough, the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation estimates over 1 million Australians will live with dementia by 2058.
Changes to Victorian electoral divisions for the 2022 federal election The name or boundaries of your electoral division may have changed since the previous federal election because of the recent Victorian federal redistribution. As a result of these changes, you may need to vote in a different division, or your usual polling place may be in a different division. To check what division you are enrolled in, or to find a polling place where you can vote, go to aec.gov.au or call 13 23 26.
Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and older. If you don’t vote, you may be prosecuted. If you vote more than once it is a criminal offence.
207 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
on May 26th 2 - 4pm
Both sessions are free with afternoon tea provided and door prizes. Please register by phoning 1800 552 272 or via
Federal election, Saturday 21 May 2022 aec.gov.au |
13 23 26
email admin@grampiansadvocacy.org.au - Please advise of any dietary or access requirements -
Authorised by the Australian Electoral Officer for Victoria, 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
AEC22_RVLC_VIC_RED_139x129
By Lachlan Ellis