For the third consecutive year, the Velorats are fundraising for the Ballarat Health Services Foundation. This year, they are fundraising to purchase a Microwave Ablation device for the Radiology department at Grampians Health Ballarat. The device uses heat generated from microwaves to destroy cancer cells. 

On the weekend of the 5 – 6 April 2025, the team will be participating in the Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay where they will pedal 520 kilometres from Echuca to Port Fairy, via Stawell and Hamilton. 

Velorats Captain Ross Huntington, who has participated in the relay for 20 years and is a past recipient of the Graham Woodrup Memorial Award, has helped his team raise over $120,000 for various causes, including $88,000 last year for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at Grampians Health Ballarat. 

“Riding with my mates and taking on the Murray to Moyne challenge—it’s an unbeatable experience,” Mr Huntington said. “The physical challenge and the reward of achieving something together as a team is what keeps us coming back. We all know someone affected by cancer, and that’s why we’re passionate about raising funds for local care. This ride is about more than just the kilometres—it’s about a group coming together to make a real difference right here in Ballarat.” 

Mr Huntington also thanked the team’s sponsors, including Replas and Racer’s Café, whose owner and Velorats member, Adam Rasmussen, has generously supported the cause. 

“We had a great morning, a ride followed by a BBQ breakfast is a great way to start the day. And thanks to the generosity of Racer’s Café, all money raised at the launch went straight to our cause,” Mr Huntington added. 

Lindsay Florence, Chair of the Ballarat Health Services Foundation, commended the Velorats for their commitment to improving health outcomes in Ballarat. 

“As a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Ballarat West, whose members proudly support the ride, I’m continually inspired by the Velorats’ passion and commitment,” Mr Florence said. “The Velorats are exceptional fundraisers and valued community partners of the Ballarat Health Services Foundation. This initiative is a perfect example of how local efforts can directly benefit those who need it most. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work. It’s partnerships like this that demonstrate the power of local generosity and teamwork.” 

Bronwyn Bentley, Nurse Unit Manager for Radiology at Grampians Health Ballarat, said an upgrade to Microwave Ablation technology will help improve patient care at the hospital. 

“Our current technology, Radiofrequency Ablation, is effective but has some challenges. The procedure is quite painful, so patients always require a general anaesthetic, which adds time and risk, especially for older patients. It also takes longer to complete, with the treatment alone taking 15 to 30 minutes or more” Mrs Bentley said.  

“Microwave Ablation is faster, less painful, and in most cases, won’t require a general anaesthetic. This means quicker procedures, fewer risks, and better access for more patients. It’s also more cost-effective over time and will allow us to treat a wider range of conditions locally, so patients won’t have to travel to Melbourne for certain treatments.” 

The Velorats are hosting additional fundraisers leading up to the relay, including a dinner at Ballarat Golf Club on Thursday, 20 March 2025. Keep up to date via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088026889996  

Donations can also be made online via Velorats 2025 Raisely site: https://velorats-murray2moyne-2025.raiselysite.com/   

The Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay has raised over $20 million for health services across Victoria since its inception more than 30 years ago.