General News
27 February, 2026
Blue Ribbon ball raises $25,000
The Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted its annual fundraising ball, with a full house, on February 21 at Horsham Town Hall.
The Foundation honours the memory of Victoria Police members who have lost their lives in the line of duty and raises funds for vital equipment at the region's hospitals.
Currently, the Horsham Branch is working towards a fundraising goal of $50,000 to purchase a new portable ventilator for the resuscitation room in the Horsham Emergency Department.
Guest speaker, Dr Peter Carter, Head of the Emergency Department at Grampians Health Horsham, shared the upgrades the hospital has implemented and the efforts to continue improving services to the community.
He also highlighted the difference between a police officer leaving for work and others.
"When I leave for work, I expect to come home, but it is not always this way for our police officers, as we see by the 177 who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Victoria," he said.
Local Area Commander Inspector Caroline Johnson led the Victoria Police Ode and One Minute's Silence.
The live auction raised more than $25,000, and auctioneer Rob Dolan entertained the guests.
A variety of items were auctioned, including vacation stays, beauty packs, wine, and golfing experiences, with several unexpected items joining the long list, including a crayfish that raised $350 and a date with Stacey that raised $150.
Stacey, however, was specific about the date's guidelines, so the happy bidder knows he's expected to provide a fine-dining experience and pick up the tab.
An online auction and raffles raised additional funds.
Since 2007, the Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham Branch has raised $488,379, which has contributed to a variety of equipment for the region's hospitals.
Guests were served a 3-course meal catered by Speckled Duck.
Some guests arrived in style in a classic car from the Wimmera Mallee Historical Society, for a fee.
The mission of the foundation is to encourage the public to remember the brave officers who didn't come home and to show all serving members of Victoria Police that their dedication is valued.