Volunteers are committing themselves to a short stint at Ararat’s J Ward on Saturday – they will be locked in cells until they reach their individual fundraising targets for youth charity Cottage by the Sea.

At Queenscliff and funded by donations and volunteers, the charity offers children in grade five a holiday by the ocean in the form of a school camp.

Cottage by the Sea ambassador Richard de Fegely said the lock-up event was ACE Radio Horsham general manager Brendan O’Loughlin’s idea.

“Brendan’s been sitting on this idea for nearly 10 years and didn’t really know how to use it, and this has come up and we’ve been able to put it together, which is great,” he said.

“At last count we had 13 or 14 people to be locked up, it’s a great start. It’s our intention that we make this an annual event, so it’ll be great to try and build a bit of momentum.”

Mr de Fegely said all money raised would go to the charity, which now supports children across Ararat and Stawell.

J Ward will open to the public during the fundraiser. 3WM’s Shirtfront team and MIXX FM’s Kayla Wilson will be broadcasting live from the venue between 8.30am and 1pm. People can find more and donate at www.cottagebythesea.com.au/fundraise-for-us/fundraise.

The entire June 24, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire June 24, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!