With a combined total of 68 years as members of Lions clubs in Yarrawonga and Cobram, husband and wife Janet and Max Austin, both 65, were rewarded with a two-day break in Melbourne for the Cobram club’s effort in hosting the Melbourne Cup Tour last month.

Despite numbers reaching an all-time low at the club, with just 16 members, enthusiasm remains high to provide community support. Learning of the possibility of a visit by Victorian Racing Club ambassador Joe McGrath and former Racing Victoria chief steward Des Gleeson and to see first hand the highly prized gold-coated Melbourne Cup, was too good an opportunity to pass by.

Janet put forward an application to host the Melbourne Cup Tour at the last moment and was delighted when she learnt the club had been selected to join 24 other towns in hosting the event.

Janet and Max were invited as representatives of their service club together with others from around the state, including Berrigan and Burrumbuttock, NSW, 34km north-west of Albury, who also applied to be part of the event and were chosen to enjoy two days in Melbourne in celebration of the race that stops a nation, courtesy of the VRC.

Each town was given a barrier number, Cobram had No 6, and prior to the cup drew horse 16, Onesmoothoperater. Unfortunately that is where the horse finished, 16th!

The town that drew the winning horse, Half Yours, was awarded $50,000 towards a charity of its choice in the town.

On the day before the cup, the group was given a guided tour of Government House, which highlighted many differences since the inaugural cup was held in 1876. Every room housed Melbourne Cup memorabilia, ladies’ stunning fashions with dramatic changes in styles over the decades, framed photographs of past champions, jockey silks, caps and whips and copies of the first Melbourne Cup trophy to the present design.

Government House is showcased in a magnificent setting surrounded by outstanding manicured gardens, and the tour was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Then, the next morning, it was time to gear up looking their best and head off for an unbelievable day at Flemington.

Arriving in a limousine and with an envelope of vouchers provided by the VRC the couple were indeed ready for a spectacular day out! They had tickets and vouchers to gain entry everywhere at Flemington and were among all the glamour of the biggest race day of the year. They went into the Birdcage, rubbed shoulders with socialites, went up the top of the fabulous new stand with eateries and bars on every level, the mounting yard where you could get a closer look at the horses and even patted horse No 16 in the stables after the race. In fact, you name it and they most probably experienced it!

I had two questions to put to the Austins. The first was, “Did you have a wager?”

“Well yes, but we didn’t do any good! I think it must still be running!” Max said with a laugh.

The other question was, “Did you have a glass of champagne in the Birdcage?”

“Yes,” Janet said, “just one!”

Max, meanwhile, said he didn’t need one!

“It was a brilliant day out, we loved it and I didn’t need alcohol to enjoy it!” Max said.

“We are grateful to Victoria Racing Club. They have given us an opportunity we may never have again!” Janet said.

Cobram Lions spent many weeks organising the Melbourne Cup Tour in Cobram: Firstly there was a free breakfast at Thompsons Beach; then it was to Irvin House aged care where Mr Gleeson and Mr McGrath were happy to chat to residents; then to Cobram Specialist School where the two ambassadors engaged with excited youngsters; and in the evening they presided at a formal dinner at the Cobram Central hotel.

It was a week that was not easy, with just 16 members, the majority of whom are well into their senior ranks. However, Cobram Lions Club cares about its community and remains willing to do whatever it can to make the town a better place!

Janet and Max have both held most positions within Lions, which has been a major part of their lives.

“We are involved because it’s important to give back to others,” the couple said.

“It gives you a sense of pride to do something that improves the lives of those who live here in your town.”

Janet and Max have three children, aged 35, 33 and 28, two granddaughters and more on the way!

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Thursday, 16th March 2028

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