The Rotary Club of Emerald and District has officially announced the much-loved ‘Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy’ which’s set to take place on Sunday, 30 November at Puffing Billy Railway’s Gembrook Station.
The event celebrating its 22nd year, has become a highlight of the Dandenongs and Hills calendar – a day filled with community spirit, fitness, and charitable deed.
Since its inception in 2002, the fun run has raised over $812,250 for children’s charities across the region.
This year, all proceeds will support the creation of a vibrant mural in the children’s ward at Eastern Health Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.
The artwork designed by Tess Dawson and her team will showcase the scenic Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy, aimed in bringing comfort and healing to young patients.
The Rotary Club hopes to raise more than $40,000 to help bring the project to life.
The acting district secretary for Rotary Club of Emerald and District, Shalini Penny, spoke warmly about Puffing Billy Railway’s ongoing role in the event and the local community.
“Puffing Billy Railway is deeply connected to our region, with stations in Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Emerald and Gembrook, so it really is part of the local fabric,” Ms Penny said.
“Since the Kids Fun Run began in 2002, Puffing Billy has been incredibly supportive, providing the train itself, the facilities, and plenty of manpower to help make the event run smoothly.”
“They don’t just see it as a day on the calendar, but as a genuine opportunity to give back to children with medical conditions and to work alongside us and the charity recipients. For example, over the last few years, Puffing Billy has generously offered free train rides to families connected with Monash Children’s Hospital’s cancer centre, who were the recipients of the event’s fundraising during that time.”
Ms Penny said Puffing Billy Railway sees its involvement as more than just tourism.
“As a community organisation, any way Puffing Billy can link with a charity like Rotary helps keep both organisations visible and relevant,” Ms Penny said.
“They’re not just running daily train services, they hold events that pump money into the local economy, with visitors spending at nearby businesses. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
With the Kids Fun Run now in its 22nd year, Ms Penny reflected on how the event has evolved and the special moments that stand out.
“One of the biggest changes over the years has been the shift away from Thomas the Tank Engine, which was originally the big drawcard for the kids,” she said.
“Thomas is no longer ‘roadworthy,’ but the event has continued to grow thanks to word of mouth, bringing both new and returning families year after year.”
“We have families who have been fundraising alongside us for years, one family in particular whose child had cancer has been one of our top fundraisers consistently. Seeing the youngest kids taking part in their very first run is always such a joyful moment for them and their parents, and that energy is infectious.”
Ms Penny described the magic of the event for children who may be seeing a steam train for the very first time.
“The kids love getting their photos taken with the train, receiving their show bags and certificates. It’s a real celebration, and as rotary members, we all pitch in on the day to help run activities and chat with families,” she said.
“Last year we added some fun attractions like stilt walkers and a bubble blower, which were huge hits, so we’re bringing them back again this year. The more attractions and market stalls we have, the more people we attract, which means more funds for our chosen charity project – this year, the Healing Art Mural at Angliss Hospital.”
The Kids Fun Run also features Puffing Billy train rides, live music, a community market, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Registration is $25 per child, with extra train rides available for $5.
Ms Penny paid tribute to the event’s sponsors, without whom the run could not go ahead.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Puffing Billy Railway, Bendigo Bank, That’s Right Bookkeeping, Emerald Mitre 10, and Barry Plant Emerald, for their ongoing support,” she said.
“Just recently, while collecting items for the show bags, some of our rotarians popped into Darrell Lea’s factory at Rowville, and they’ve kindly offered us the chance to run a barbecue during their open day this Saturday, 20 September.”
“It’s a great way to raise additional funds and promote the Kids Fun Run to a wider audience.”
For more information, to register or to donate, visit the Emerald Rotary Kids Fun Run website.
