A MURRAY Pioneer journalist is amongst the field of keen Loxton locals preparing to raise money for the local community in the lead-up to the 64th Loxton Mardi Gras next year.
Journalist Peta-Marie Philippou is one of two candidates currently registered in the community ambassador category who, along with her sponsors at the Loxton Club, will be busy fundraising before next February’s event.
Miss Philippou said she was “inspired” to register for the program after her experience as an ambassador during last year’s Renmark Rose Festival.
“I’ve only been in the Riverland for two years, and I love getting involved in community events, as it’s a great way to meet new people and put myself out there,” she said.
“I grew as a person and met lots of people through the Rose Festival, and I hope to get the same experience from the Mardi Gras.
“I was really proud of my fundraising efforts last year and it made me happy knowing I was helping other people, and I can’t wait to fundraise for the Loxton Club.”
Loxton Club board member Bert Haslam said Miss Philippou was an “ideal candidate” for a Mardi Gras ambassador.
“We were looking around for a young person to sponsor and when Peta came along, her enthusiasm was contagious,” Mr Haslam said.
“She already has plenty of fundraising ideas, with the emphasis of her fundraising program being on having fun, and the club will be there to provide her with plenty of support.
“We are hoping as sponsors and supporters of Peta that the club will benefit from her fundraising, and we are definitely looking forward to the fundraising activities.”
Miss Philippou said she was excited to work with the club and was looking forward to get started with fundraising.
“Everybody on the committee is really nice and excited for the ideas that I already have up my sleeve,” she said.
“It’s also great to see that Mardi Gras, at least for now, is going to happen.
“I love this year’s theme, which is nature, and the floats are going to look amazing.
“It’s going to be lots of fun and will get everyone out and about.”
Mardi Gras committee chairperson Liz Dymmott said the fundraising efforts of junior, community and senior ambassadors would benefit community groups in Loxton.
“If there’s anything community groups want a hand with, we try to help out,” she said.
“Basically, all the money that is raised goes back to the community in one way or another.”
Mrs Dymmott said the committee were hoping more interested Loxton residents would join the ambassador program.
“We are looking for more ambassadors, particularly in the community and senior ambassador groups,” she said.
“The deadline to enter the ambassadorship program is October 1, but we are pretty flexible and if people want to join after that date we’re not going to say no.”
To become an ambassador, contact Liz Dymmott on 0418 803 650 or visit www.loxtonmardigras.org.au.