THE City of Greater Bendigo council will host a mayoral ball for the first time in five years. Mayor David Jones will host the ball at the Town Hall on September 13 as a fundraiser for the Annie North Women’s Refuge and Domestic Violence Service, which provides specialist support to women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence. Cr Jones said he was hoping to raise a significant amount of money from the event. “The last mayoral ball was hosted by Willi Carney who raised $14,000 for the Alola Foundation to support East Timor and I am hopeful of achieving a similar result,” he said. “We are also aiming to further raise awareness of these problems within our community. “Annie North is keen to purchase land and develop a purpose built women’s refuge complex featuring self contained living unit and counselling and group space for victims of domestic and family violence and we would really love to provide a significant donation to help the organisation achieve its vision. “It is a fundamentally important cause that will help women and children in our own community.” Cr Jones said local sponsors were needed to make the event a success. “We are looking for support from local businesses and organisations for the charity auction and we would love to hear from anyone who is willing to supply goods and services that can be auctioned on the night,” he said. Anyone wanting to help out, or to find out more, can contact Tiffany Connell on 5434 6102.
