Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
A La Grecque Luncheon Fundraiser
Friday 16 October 2026
Immerse yourself for a great cause and join us to indulge in a set menu of Greek-style dishes and drinks.
A La Grecque is proud to be supporting the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. All sales of Aganippi Mineral water, Nymfi & Alfa Greek beer and Tsikrikonis wines will contribute to profit donations to Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, so why not have a glass or two.
Tickets will sell fast, so get in quick!
Efharisto kai Yamas!
(Cheers)
Glow for Gold Gala hosted by The Friends of India Network
Saturday 31 October 2026
The Friends of India Network (FIN) is hosting a special Diwali Celebration in support of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI). This community initiative brings people together to celebrate the Festival of Lights while raising vital funds to support world-class cancer research.
We invite you to mark your calendars and join The Friends of India Network in supporting our cause.
Save the Date: 31st October 2026.
Ride Ballarat 2026
Saturday and Sunday 14-15 November 2026
The Wait Is Over!
The routes are locked in and we are excited to introduce Ride Ballarat, the exciting new evolution of the Ballarat Cycle Classic! We’ve got a fresh name, a brand-new look, and some fantastic upgrades, but our core remains exactly the same: a proud, community-driven weekend spending time together and riding together to fund life-saving cancer research at the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI).
Registrations are now open!
Cocktail Party
Saturday14 November 2026
Join us for an elegant evening of crafted drinks, seasonal local canapés, and great company at our cocktail party on Saturday, November 14th. Featuring special guest Matt Keenan and more surprises to be announced. To be held at Itinerant Spirits The Goods Shed, 200 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill. Certain to sell out, secure your tickets today!
Previous Events and Fundraisers
The Nutbush Challenge
Sunday 27 September 2026
Become a Nutbush Champion
Ten years ago, the regional Victorian city of Horsham made history by becoming the first community in the world to hold the Nutbush City Limits record. In 2026, we’re inviting Australia to dance again, this time for something even bigger.
The Nutbush Challenge is a national fundraising movement supporting the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI), a community-funded charity dedicated to improving cancer outcomes through world-class research. Every registration, every donation and every dance helps fund research that has the potential to change lives.
Can’t make it to Horsham? No Problem. Simply make a Donation of Hope to support us from wherever you are. Your support funds FECRI’s world-class cancer research!
Ballarat Golf Day
Friday 25 September 2026
Join the Ballarat Golf Club on Friday 25th September for the Fiona Elsey Charity Day, a fantastic 4-person Ambrose event raising funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre. Open to men’s, women’s, or mixed teams, this tournament is all about fun, community, and supporting a worthy cause.
Entry is $160 per team, including a delicious lunch. Two fields are available—AM (8:00 am tee-off with lunch after play) and PM (starting with lunch, then golf)—giving you flexibility to choose your preferred time.
Players are encouraged to dress in their brightest, most colourful attire to help create a lively and festive atmosphere. Whether you’re here for the love of golf, the joy of great company, or the chance to make a difference, you’ll be contributing to vital cancer research happening right here in Ballarat.
Drag Bingo at the Piano Bar
Thursday 10 September 2026
It’s six games of bingo, each with the chance to win fun prizes or gift vouchers and fabulous Drag performances throughout. Doors open at 6pm and bingo starts from 7pm, giving you time to grab a bite from Piano Bar’s delicious menu, sip away on a cocktail.
Bookings are essential, so please book your table early to avoid missing out.
Cars for a Cause & Cure Fundraiser
Saturday and Sunday 8-9 August 2026
Experience an exciting day exploring a massive collection of cars and motorbikes! The journey will take you through Bordertown and Pinnaroo, culminating at the iconic Lameroo Silos, where everyone will gather together for the secret final destination.
Itinerant Spirits EOFY Party
Thursday 25 June 2026
Itinerant Spirit’s EOFY Party is a relaxed evening for the business community — tradies, freelancers, sole traders, small teams, consultants — anyone with an ABN who deserves a proper send-off for the year. Come along, meet some like-minded locals, and enjoy a welcome drink, $8 drink specials and an Itinerant Spirits grazing spread throughout the night. $5 from every ticket sold goes directly to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
Jimmy’s Allsorts Murry to Moyne Fundraiser 2026
28th & 29 March 2026
The Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts team are extremely proud to be participating in their sixth Murray to Moyne Cycling Event, on 28th & 29th March 2026. They will be riding 520km from Echuca to Port Fairy, in just over 24 hours, raising funds for research at the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
The team has raised more than $300,000 for FECRI over the past five years and our 2026 goal is $50,000. Any support you can provide, by way of tax-deductible donation, is greatly appreciated. Donations made through this platform are secure and are paid directly to Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Read more…
18 January 2026
The Lighthouse Classic is a beautiful 12km coastal walk held each January in support of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Created in honour of Janet Jones OAM, a much-loved community member who faced cancer three times with courage and kindness, the event is now lovingly continued by her children to keep her legacy alive. Walkers can meet at the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse and walk along the Surf Coast Walk to Spouts Creek via the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club and return. Those unable to attend in person can complete their 12km anywhere in Australia throughout January. It’s an accessible, family-friendly event designed for all ages and fitness levels.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 28-30 March 2025
1500km OVER 3 STATES IN 3 DAYS and A LOT OF FUN
This Tour is all about raising money and having fun at the same time. Each day will have a theme and participants are encouraged to join in the fun. This tour is all about raising money and having fun at the same time.
Saturday, and Sunday, 5-6 April 2025
The Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts team are extremely proud to be participating in our fifth Murray to Moyne Cycling Event, on 5th & 6th April 2025. They are riding 520km from Echuca to Port Fairy, in just over 24 hours, raising funds for research at the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia’s one and only regional cancer research facility. The team has raised more than $200,000 for FECRI over the past four years and our 2025 goal is $50,000.
Saturday and Sunday, 15-16 February 2025
Ballarat Cycle Classic is a HUGE two-day event with something for everyone! You can enjoy road, gravel, enduro gravity, family rides and even a pet friendly lake walk. Two event villages for participants and supporters to enjoy will see another fun and friendly event raising money for cancer research. 100% of registrations and donations to cancer research.
Ballarat Cycle Classic Eve Cocktail Party
Saturday, 15 February 2025
In memory of long-term Ballarat Cycle Classic Ambassador Danny Frawley.
Friends of FECRI & the Ballarat Cycle Classic are invited to a casual sunset cocktail party in celebration of the 2025 18th Ballarat Cycle Classic to be held on the 15 February.
January 2025
The 2025 Lighthouse Classic is a fun 10km challenge where participants can run or walk to raise funds for cancer research anytime during the month of January. On the way, we touch a lighthouse in memory of someone who has faced or is facing their own battle with cancer.
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Clunes and District Young Farmers has announced the 2025 Clunes Quick Shear is dedicated to raising funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. This event showcases shearing, entertainment, and raises funds for charities that have an influence in and around our community. On the day you will experience shearing, an auction, kids activities, undie500, and live music.
Funds raised support the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
Wednesday, 11th September 2024
Ballarat High School Vocational Major students are organising a walkathon to raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. For many years Ballarat High School led Fiona’s Walk, an annual lap of the lake for schools in Ballarat to participate, remember Fiona and continue her legacy. Some will be walking in honour of loved ones impacted by cancer and others in memory of Fiona, their stories can be viewed on their individual pages.
Funds raised support the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
Harriet’s Journey – Coast to Care
Saturday, 12 April 2024, 8 am
In 2023 4-month-old baby girl, Harriet was diagnosed with Multi-System Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), affecting the bones in her shoulder, ribs, spine and eye socket, her liver and the skin on her scalp. Harriet’s Dad, Dave is training up for a Charity event in April ‘24 where he plans to run from Gold Coast University Hospital to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, 73km.
Friday, 22 March 2024, 6 pm
A Taste of Shanghai.. Celebrating Harmony Week.
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
Authentic culinary delights from Shanghai including a presentation of what life is like living in one of China’s biggest cities. There will also be the possibility of a live zoom interview direct to Shanghai, with a resident who will share what it is like to live in Shanghai in the 21st century.
Ballarat Cycle Classic Eve Cocktail Party
Friday, 16 February 2024, 7 pm
In memory of long-term Ballarat Cycle Classic Ambassador Danny Frawley.
Friends of FECRI & the Ballarat Cycle Classic are invited to a casual sunset cocktail party in celebration of the 2024 17th Ballarat Cycle Classic to be held on the 17-18 February.
Lighthouse Classic
January 2024
The 2024 Lighthouse Classic is a fun 10km challenge where participants can run or walk to raise funds for cancer research. On the way, we touch a lighthouse in memory of someone who has faced or is facing their own battle with cancer. Join us for a group walk at 9am on the 14th of January from the Urquhart’s Bluff carpark to the Airey’s Inlet lighthouse and back.
2024 Ballarat Cycle Classic
February 2024
Ballarat Cycle Classic is a HUGE two-day event with something for everyone! You can enjoy road, gravel, enduro gravity, family rides and even a pet friendly lake walk. Two event villages at Black Hill Mountain Bike Park and Lake Wendouree for participants and supporters to enjoy will see another fun and friendly event raising money for cancer research. 100% of registrations and donations to cancer research.
This event is being run again in 2025. Registrations open November 2024.
Friday, 27 October 2023 12pm
Primrose Lady Potter AC (Patron), Professor George Kannourakis and Mrs Paula Nicholson with Event Ambassador Eddie McGuire AM invite you to the Inaugural Lady Potter Patron’s Lunch for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. The event will occur during Breast Cancer Awareness month, supporting breast cancer research at Ballarat’s Institute.
Ballarat High – Fiona’s Walk for Cancer Research
Wednesday, 21 June 2023, 12.30 pm
Ballarat High School VM students are organising a walkathon to raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Some will be walking in honour of loved ones impacted by cancer and others in memory of Fiona, their stories can be viewed on their individual pages. All funds raised through this page will be donated directly to the research program at the Institute.
