The finale of a cycle from Adelaide to Wodonga in support of veterans and farmers has helped raise about $7000 for a Border service.
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The Coo-Wee Ride, led by Seymour farmer Matt Aldridge, arrived in Wodonga on Saturday afternoon to end a 1000 kilometre journey that began on March 31.
A group of veterans had joined Mr Aldridge to ride the last 100km from Yarrawonga.
Proceeds from an evening charity auction at Wodonga RSL, which attracted nearly 100 people, went to Hume Veterans Information Centre.
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Centre chairman Wayne Taylor said a military-themed painting created on the night by speed portraiture artist Joe Zapp went bid for bid until it sold for $1500.
"The person who came second, Joe offered to paint another one of those for him if he was prepared to pay out another $1500, so he did, so the auction went really well," the chairman said.
Country rock singer Brad Cox also performed.
Mr Aldridge told the crowd it was important to assist veterans.
"A lot of them are doing it pretty tough behind closed doors with their own mental demons," he said.
He thanked everyone who supported the third Coo-Wee Ride.
"Every year I do it, I get a better response," he said.
Mr Taylor said the centre would put the money towards necessary refurbishments that would, for example, provide greater privacy for those who came in seeking assistance.
"Our current facilities are not meeting expectations of veterans with mental health or serious physical injuries so we need to put a bit of work into that to bringing that up to an acceptable standard," he said.
"It's just going to provide better advocacy services for veterans."
Mr Taylor said the centre's services were more needed than ever, with The Coo-Wee Ride highlighting issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide prevention among veterans.
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