It was all in good fun and the party also supported a good cause.

The town’s first Melbourne Cup event was organised by Hartley Store and Saddlery in conjunction with the Hartley District Progress Association (HDPA) to raise funds for UnitingCare Lithgow.

HDPA president Renzo Benedet said the association decided at the start of the year to support a worthy cause to give back to the community.

“UnitingCare came forward and we thought it would be good to support what they want to do so the proceeds from this event will go towards the disability group within UnitingCare,” Mr Benedet said.

UnitingCare Lithgow was established in 1986 and provides a range of day programs and overnight respite to school aged children and adults who have a disability, people who are frail and primary carers in Lithgow and Bathurst.

Owner of Hartley Store and Saddlery Johan Nilsson has been a resident in the Hartley area for close to ten years.

“Myself and my wife Kristie, who has actually been the main organiser for the event, [saw this as] an opportunity to give something back,” he said.

“Having UnitingCare as the beneficiary just adds to [the Melbourne Cup celebration]. Makes it more fun, makes it worthwhile.

“At the end of the day the best part of it we can have fun while we’re raising funds.”

Mr Benedet said the event was the first of it’s kind with no Melbourne Cup party previously held in Hartley.

“I think it’s just one of those things that builds upon what Johan has done with the markets that are held twice a month. So this is another add-on just to get some visibility of people, Hartley, the community,” he said.

“It just brings a bit of community spirit.

“But this event in terms of the support for UnitingCare is just fundamental.”

Mr Benedet expressed a desire to make the Melbourne Cup event an annual fixture that will get bigger and better in the future.