Nice touch from Crows

WELL ATTENDED: A recent community event at Lucindale with Adelaide Crows footballers in support of those affected by the recent fires was well attended, with plenty of interest in a couple of auction items. Pictures: GEORGIE MCKAY

By Trevor Jackson

THE Lucindale community was treated to football royalty last Friday when Adelaide Crows players visited the region in support of the community affected by the recent fires.

Tex Walker, Lachlan Sholl, Kieran Strachan and Jackson Hately welcomed the community at the local park, with autographs for the young and not-so young, before attending a function at the Lucindale Hotel.

Around 300 people attended the function, where a signed Crows jumper was up for auction, along with a pair of Walker’s boots.

All money raised was to go to the community members who were affected the by the recent fires in the region.

The jumper itself caused plenty of interest, as event co-organiser Greg Fisher and Crows footballer, Lucindale’s own Darcy Fogarty, who was unable to attend due to an injury concern, both bid for it.

Fellow organiser Georgie McKay said that scenario caused plenty of talk around the auction.

“Darcy Fogarty and Greg Fisher bid on the jumper and took it to $3150,” she said.

“They didn’t tell anyone but they had the intention of giving it to Neil Watts, who is an avid Crows fan.

“He and his wife Chris lost their house at Avenue Range.”

On the Saturday morning the group headed to the Lucindale Bowls Club where Watts was about to play.

“Tex handed over the jumper with a footy as well and said ‘we’re thinking of you’,” McKay said.

“There were half a dozen blokes there who were severely affected by the fire, so it was a terrific gesture.

“Neil said a couple of words and you could hear he was a little choked up.

“Those little shows of support are what the community needs right now.

“When you have been through such a torrid time and feeling pretty low about everything, to have someone do something like that for you is pretty uplifting.”

McKay said the whole scenario was the brainchild of Fisher, who she described as an ideas man.

Fisher lost property in the Keilira fires last summer.

She said he approached her and Amanda Carter to help pull it all together.

An auction was also planned for Friday night, but with the coronavirus restrictions, McKay – who owns the Lucindale Hotel – said the venue would not be able to cater for too many people.

That has now been moved to the Lucindale Country Club on February 6.

All money raised from Friday night and the upcoming auction will be distributed equally to affected families, along with money taken over the bar and for meals on Friday night at the Lucindale Hotel.

“Greg’s thoughts were we give the money equally to each family that was affected by the fires,” McKay said.

“Families may not want it and will have the opportunity to pass it on to another family they think might need it.”

The auction on February 6 has 105 lots which McKay said would be valued at between $60-70,000 worth of goods and services.

She said it promises to be a big night.

“We will have to auctioneer on the outside deck at the country club for an open-air auction, weather permitting,” McKay said.

“Everyone is welcome to come along.”