A slice of history, a drop of wine and a touch of philanthropy is all part of an innovative fundraising venture by the Rotary Club of Mackay Sunrise.
The Rotary Club approached the Department of Main Roads, who donated timber from the old Hospital Bridge to create special edition bottles of wine commemorating the decommissioning of the bridge.
Rotary Club member Marlene McGuire said bottles of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz from South Australia would be decorated with a piece of timber from the bridge and complemented with a small booklet outlining the bridge’s history.
“Each bottle will also include a picture of the old Hospital Bridge on the label, and thanks to historian Berenice Wright OAM, a small booklet detailing the bridge’s 75 year history is attached to the bottle,” she said.
Mrs McGuire said the wine would be the ideal Christmas present or corporate gift, with all proceeds to aid local charities.
And it appears the wine is proving a big hit.
“More than 20 dozen bottles have been snapped in the first few weeks,” she said.
Main Roads Acting Regional Director, Rex Cowan, said he is not surprised by the memento’s popularity.
“The old Hospital Bridge serviced the Mackay community for over 70 years so I think this is a fitting tribute to the structure,” Mr Cowan said.
“Most of the timber from the old bridge is being re-used for maintenance works on other bridges in the region, but we were delighted to donate some for this wonderful cause."
Mrs McGuire said the limited edition wine is selling for $14.99 per bottle or $12 in carton lots, and is available at the Seabreeze Tavern at Lamberts Beach or at the Bottlemart on Harbour Road.
The old Hospital Bridge was built in 1937 and serviced the Mackay community until April 2009, when it was replaced by the new bridge further upstream.
For further information, or if you would like to order a limited edition commemorative bottle of wine, please contact Leon Cuzzilla from Rotary Club of Mackay Sunrise on 0749530711 or www.hospitalbridge.com.au
