Lismore Base Hospital surgeon Sally Butchers was at the Our Kids Melbourne Cup Luncheon today, along with hundreds of others keen to help raise funds for local charity Our Kids.

“The cause is close to my medical heart,” Sally said. “Raising money to purchase paediatric equipment for local hospitals.”

Sally herself is a keen fundraiser and does work raising money for numerous local charities year round.  

Sally said attending the Melbourne Cup event was not about horse racing – it was about raising money for a charity.

“I’m giving my money to Our Kids, not betting on a horse race,” Sally said. 

“Some of my friends are giving money to another local charity - The Winsome Hotel Soup Kitchen - rather than spending money betting on horses. 

“I don’t agree with the bad treatment of horses that’s been highlighted in the media recently, but it’s a shame that all the whole industry has been tarred with the same brush. 

“I know some trainers who treat their horses very well.”

Read more about surgeon Sally Butchers this coming Sunday (November 10) in the Lismore App's Sunday Profile section.

Sally Butchers with Anne McLean.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said the annual event held at Southern Cross University was now in its 17th year.

“This year the luncheon is kick-starting a campaign to purchase one of two wireless CTG machines for the Lismore Base Hospital Women’s Care Unit,” Rebekka said. 

“The CTG machine noninvasively measures and displays fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate and uterine activity during labour, and can be used during a water birth. 

“Currently, we have $156,000 worth of equipment on our wish list and two wireless CTG machines make up a good portion of this list.” 

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista and Lismore Showgirl Serena Mangan.

Lismore showgirl Serena Mangan said was happy to be involved in running the day and would be selling raffle tickets.

“I love seeing Lismore Antiques Centre here with its jewellery cabinet and the beautiful attention to detail in the stylish decor at the function,” Serena said.

Rebekka said about $33,000 worth of prizes had been donated by local businesses to help Our Kids raise vital funds for paediatric equipment at luncheon.

“Winks Hairdressing has donated over $22,000 worth of prizes, and Fairmarket Lismore Antique Centre have donated $5,000 worth of jewellery to spoil those who attend on Tuesday,” Rebekka said.

“In total, more than $33,000 in prizes are up to be won. 

“Our Kids sponsors have been incredibly generous with beautiful gifts this year and there is even a night at the 5-star luxury penthouse at Byron Suites.

“Every year our committee plan for months to ensure this event is a day out to remember, and this year is no exception.” 

Olivia Hough and Gail Dooley from the Fairmarket Lismore Antique Centre with Despina Finch and Ashleigh Bishop.

Ashleigh Bishop was looking at some of the jewellery on offer by the Fairmarket Lismore Antique Centre.

Ashleigh said she loves coming to the event to dress up and support a charity. 

“My mum worked at Lismore Base and I’m glad the money will go to a CTG machine at Lismore Base Hospital,” she said. 

Lismore High School centenary organisers Wendy Simpson, Colleen Best and Emma Pruess.

Wendy Simpson, Colleen Best and Emma Pruess come to the luncheon every year.

“We are part of Lismore High School centenary organising group which we’ll hold next year in September,” Colleen said.

“We’ll be celebrating 100 years of the school and we are putting together a book and still looking for photographs, particularly in the last 25 years.”

Lismore MacDonalds managing owner Elly Moffatt with her work team.

Lismore MacDonalds managing owner Elly Moffatt said the team has been coing to this event for the past 15 years.

“It’s a great way for the team to bond,” Elly said.

“Every year we dress in a colour – this year we chose blue which is the colour representing prostate cancer awareness.”