When the chips are down in this country town, the close-knit community steps up to help one of its own.
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It’s not the first time the good folk of Chiltern have rallied behind a resident but this time they are standing by the man who’s always stood by them.
Kelvin Duke has been the glue that’s kept the Chiltern rodeo running for 20 years but he’s also a much-loved mainstay of the community.
Kelvin has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Chiltern.
- Tom Lappin
Telegraph Hotel publican Tom Lappin reckons there’s not a club or organisation within the town that Kelvin hasn’t helped.
From the fire brigade to the footy club, girl guides, car club and the local school, Kelvin’s been the backbone of countless fundraising efforts.
The jovial character in the cowboy hat has always been ready to offer the use of his sound system, his time and his enthusiasm for all things concerning his community.
“Kelvin has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Chiltern,” Mr Lappin says.
“He’s never taken a cent or wanted a cent for all his help.”
But when those closest to him learned Kelvin was “crook”, they were desperate to help the man who has helped so many.
A plan was hatched to stage a fundraiser to help cover some of the costs of the expensive immunotherapy he needs to fight cancer.
So on February 17, the townsfolk will gather at the hotel for the Payback event in support of their main man, Kelvin.
The highlight of the evening will be the speed shearing competition that will kick off from 6pm with local and open classes and first-place prize money donated by the Chiltern Lions Club.
There will be a major auction, plenty of raffles, entertainment and an ongoing barbecue throughout the evening.
Local businesses and residents have come on board in their droves with offers of time, money and donated items.
Such is the level of support and care for Kelvin, Mr Lappin says his own staff have volunteered their time to work for free on the night.
It’s no surprise to learn Kelvin himself was incredibly reluctant about being on the receiving end of a fundraising campaign, according to Mr Lappin.
“He wasn’t real happy at the start and was pretty embarrassed about all the fuss,” he says.
“But we convinced him the town was totally behind it and that it’s our way of paying back his years of service.”
In December 2017, Kelvin was officially recognised for his service to the Chiltern rodeo committee with an arena named in his honour.
About 300 people gathered at the racecourse to unveil the sign and present him with an engraved trophy belt buckle.
In the lead-up to the surprise, good mate and fellow committee member Michael Phibbs said Mr Duke deserved recognition for his years of service to rodeo and the community.
“Kelvin is a very giving person; if anyone needs something done, he’s your man,” Mr Phibbs said.
Kelvin was instrumental in organising a major fundraiser for rodeo rider Tom Phibbs, who suffered horrifying facial injuries in 2016 when he was smashed in the face by a bucking bull.
Crowds spilled out of the pub and onto the streets for the event – thanks mainly to Kelvin’s powers of persuasion – and raised thousands of dollars to support the young cowboy’s gruelling road to recovery.
Now Kelvin faces his own tough battle – against a cancer that’s taken hold in his liver and one kidney.
He was diagnosed in July, 2017 after collapsing and being rushed to hospital with an internal haemorrhage during a gig at the pub.
“It’s bad,” he said during an interview in December.
“I’m supposed to start immunotherapy … it’s a lot of money.”
But if the instant and overwhelming response to this week’s Facebook post about the fundraiser is anything to go by, there will be no shortage of support for this humble hero.
“The community spirit is still alive and well in this town,” Mr Lappin says.
“As soon as the chips are down, everyone helps.”
And you certainly can’t put a price on the contribution of a man who has given so much of himself to others.