Harness Drive Hits the Trail for Prostate Cancer

HARNESS vehicles pulled by equines ranging from towering Clydesdales to miniature ponies will take to the Great Southern Rail Trail this weekend  in a fun-filled fundraising drive for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

The biannual harness drive will cover 83 kilometres from tomorrow Saturday January 24 to Tuesday January 27, beginning at Alberton West Reserve.

Participants will depart at five-minute intervals from 10am after a 9am assembly, travelling via Lanes Road to the start of the rail trail. Participants will stop for lunch at Hedley Hall before continuing on, with the journey concluding at the Leongatha Victorian Livestock Exchange.

This year’s event marks the fifth time the drive has been held.

The previous drive in 2024 raised $9,000 for PCFA, supporting research and services aimed at combating prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men.

An estimated 28,868 men are expected to be diagnosed in 2025.

Event organiser Leanne Prosser said the drive was about more than fundraising.
“We hope the harness drive will promote awareness and start conversations about prostate cancer, and encourage people to seek information,” she said. “Checks are as simple as a blood test called a PSA test. Early detection is key to excellent survival rates and quality of life.”

This event is Organised by the Eastern Vic Pleasure Harness Club, based in Maffra, and as it is being held over the Australia Day weekend, carriages and wagons will be decorated with  Australian flags.

Alongside the serious cause, the drive also provides valuable experience for horses, introducing them to bridges, underpasses and other trail challenges in a social and supportive environment.

Community donations are welcomed, with proceeds going directly to PCFA.

Donations can also be made online via the PCFA fundraising page at fundraise.pcfa.org.au.

For more information, or to donate, contact Leanne Prosser on 0427 924 662 or email ranleighponystud@yahoo.com.au. Information and support about prostate cancer is also available from PCFA at www.pcfa.org.au or by calling a prostate cancer nurse on 1800 22 00 99.