Patriots to ride for victims of fire
CHARITY EVENT
Memorial Ride
Patriots WA South Chapter
9am on Sunday, May 25
Jandakot to Garden Island
Hundreds of bikers will ride from Jandakot to Garden Island later this month to honour four soldiers killed in the fire onboard HMAS Westralia.
The 16th annual memorial ride is hosted by the Patriots WA South Chapter in Baldivis.
President Garry Millar said the event had grown each year and raised funds for Legacy, a charity assisting military families following the death of a spouse or parent during or after their defence force service.
“We wanted to raise money for the families of the people that perished on the ship,” he said.
“Legacy doesn’t get Government grants, only what people donate.
“We’re looking after our people.
“It’s important to us, that’s why we do it.”
Last year’s event attracted 460 bikers and raised more than $16,000.
Mr Millar urged members of the public to register for the event.
“The more the merrier,” he said.
“It’s the biggest thing we do each year.
“It’s not a sombre event, it’s cheerful because we all join together to support Legacy.
“We sell lots of raffles and there is an auction at the end of the day.
“It turns out to be a pretty good day.”
Patriots is a national group of current and former servicemen who love motorbikes. “Most patriots look after charities that support the military,” Mr Millar said.
“We’re just a group of guys with the same ethos in life — we try to look after each other. Everyone in the world has the (view) that people who ride bikes are outlaws; we’re not.”
The memorial ride will be led by Steve Edmonds of Calista, who was onboard HMAS Westralia during the May 5, 1998 tragedy.
Registration starts at 8am and entry costs $20 per bike.
To find out more, call 0466 964 480 or email southsecretary@patriotswa.org.
