General News
21 November, 2025
Massive impact: Engine light check draws crowd
More than 200 people of all ages and from all walks of life attended the Check Your Engine Light Forum in Maydale Park Pavilion on Wednesday night in Horsham.
Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids (WACK) planned and organised the event as a way to give back to the community that has supported the group over the years, organiser Simon Clark said.
Planned to coincide with International Men's Day, it hosted guest speaker Rae Bonney OAM, an Australian workplace mental health specialist, counsellor, and men and boys' health advocate.
"I really think it had a massive impact on everyone who attended," Mr Clark said.
"Men began to open up even before the event got underway, talking over a barbecue and a coffee, and even staying back after to get more information," he said.
Mr Clark said learning about kindness and forgiveness, even of yourself, can help bring about a gentler community.
"People are struggling, and these struggles have many faces. I think it is helpful to see that people like yourself can have challenges in life, the same as you do," he said.
"This community has been so good to WACK; I was looking for a way to give back, and after the overwhelming response last night, it will not be a one-off event."
Mr Clark said the response by people bringing cars and bikes to add interest to the event was also overwhelming.
"I was gobsmacked when I saw how many cars were on display, and I am very grateful to everyone who brought their vehicles along," he said.
"It really added interest to the night and helped create conversation among people, too."
Mr Clark said he was humbled by the response and hoped the event made a difference, especially to anyone finding life tough going at the moment.
