Nillumbik Shire Council was thrilled to welcome the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour on a virtual visit to the Shire yesterday as it travels around Australia.
Nillumbik was one of 27 destinations to be part of the tour in the lead up to the Lexus Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
Nillumbik Mayor Karen Egan said she was very excited to welcome the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy to the Shire.
"As the race that stops the nation, the Lexus Melbourne Cup is a highlight of the Australian sporting and events calendar," Cr Egan said.
"This year more than ever, the cup will bring some much-needed magic and excitement to Victoria and the nation in these challenging times.
"We have a strong equine industry in Nillumbik and horse riding is a popular recreational pursuit. With our mix of equestrian facilities, natural bush environment and series of recreational trails, the shire is popular destination for horse riding enthusiasts.
"While today's cup visit to Nillumbik is a virtual one, we hope everyone can come back one day in person when restrictions allow and explore everything this wonderful region has to offer."
Victoria Racing Club chairman Amanda Elliott welcomed Nillumbik to the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
"Nillumbik is a green wedge Melbourne shire that is really famous for its equine pursuits and we really celebrate anyone who has this passion for everything equine" Ms Elliott said.
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon was a special guest at the event and spoke about her successful career.
Ms Laxon was the first female to train a Melbourne Cup winner with Elthereal winning the coveted Caufield and Melbourne Cup double in 2001.
As a participant in this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, Nillumbik is allocated one in 24 barriers in the Lexus Melbourne Cup as part of the Cup Tour National Sweep.
If the horse from Nillumbik's barrier wins, $50,000 goes to our randomly selected charity for a community initiative.
Cr Karen Egan announced at today's event the randomly selected charity was Diamond Hills Preschool.
A recording of the virtual event can be viewed here.
