Mount Panorama, the internationally renowned motor racing circuit in Bathurst, NSW, will come alive on Sunday 20 February, not to the roar of V8 engines, but to the sound of hundreds of people taking advantage of a once-off opportunity to walk or run the famous circuit to raise funds for the Tsunami disaster relief efforts of CARE Australia. 

The Lap of Honour will be the Bathurst community’s major fundraising event, and was conceived by Dr Troy Heffernan, a senior lecturer at Charles Sturt University’s Bathurst Campus. 

The Lap of Honour Tsunami fundraising appeal will be officially launched on Thursday 20 January at the Harris Park Grandstand, on Pit Straight, Mount Panorama at 10am. 

With support already received from major sponsors Bathurst Regional Council, Charles Sturt University and Reliance Credit Union, Dr Heffernan has also secured the support of service clubs, community organisations and other small businesses in Bathurst, to ensure this is truly a ‘whole of community’ fundraising event. 

A keen runner, and member of the Ba-Thirst runner’s group, who are providing significant assistance in the event organisation, Dr Heffernan said using Mount Panorama for a major fundraising event seemed a natural choice.

“As a group of people we felt compelled to respond to this horrendous event, and for our community to walk around the famous Mount Panorama circuit is a great way to bring us all together and provide support. 

“Mount Panorama is known nationally and internationally, and this is a rare opportunity to walk around it without any traffic, so we’re confident the Bathurst community is going to jump at this chance, especially when it is for such a good cause,” Dr Heffernan said. 

Bathurst Regional Council administrator Kath Knowles said the Council was proud to support the event. 

“The people of the Bathurst community have already shown in many ways their support for the victims of this terrible disaster. Now we have a chance to come together as a whole community for the Lap of Honour event and really show just how generous we can be. 

“I encourage communities all around Bathurst to get together with friends, family, workmates from schools and sporting and social groups and enter as a team in this very special event. Not only will you be having a lot of fun but your generosity will go directly to assist the work of CARE Australia in their vital aid work across the affected Asian region. 

“The effort of getting around Mount Panorama on foot is nothing compared to the effort of re-building entire towns and cities but by taking part in this event the people of Bathurst are reaching out to the fellow regional communities across Asia to let them know we care,” Ms Knowles said. 

With the generous support of sponsors to assist in running the event, 100 per cent of proceeds from the day will be donated to the disaster relief efforts of CARE Australia. 

Registrations will commence from 7.30am at Mount Panorama for the Lap of Honour which will run from 9am until 11am. Pre-registration details are being finalised. 

Cost is $10 for children, $15 for adults of $30 for families. A shorter walk for families with young children and others who don’t wish to walk the entire six kilometre circuit will also be available on the day.

For further information about the Lap of Honour contact Dr Troy Heffernan on telephone (02) 6338 4292.