Daniher’s Drive Day 2: From the Yarra Valley to the Coast 

The Daniher’s Drive convoy began Day 2 in high spirits, still buzzing from a fun-filled Day 1, which concluded with the Night 1 Dinner, a chance to connect and set the tone for the days ahead. A thank you to the entire team at Peppers Marysville for making the Drive Family feel at home and ready for the road ahead. 

Night 1 provided a number memorable moments for the Drive participants. New Drive participants shared their personal experiences with motor neurone disease (MND), offering heartfelt insight into why this journey matters so much. Laughter and friendly rivalry also filled the room during the annual Daniher’s Drive Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament, where our winner, Lou from ACC Higgins, who claimed ultimate honours, securing bragging rights for another year. 

With spirits high and camaraderie stronger than ever, the convoy rolled out of Peppers Marysville ready to tackle Day 2.  

Bowls, banter and bragging rights in Warburton 

The first stop of the day was the Warburton Bowls Club, where the Drive Family kicked things off with a community event like no other. Bowls, but faster! Teams took to the green for a high-energy spin on the classic game. 

What started as a light-hearted contest quickly turned into a full-blown battle for glory, with plenty of banter flying across the lanes and laughter echoing through the valley. Congratulations to our winner, Tropical North Victorians, who claimed ultimate bragging rights and a few playful cheers from the sidelines. 

Between the competition and camaraderie, there was time to reflect on the deeper purpose behind the fun, raising funds and awareness for people living with MND. It was the kind of morning that captured the true heart of Daniher’s Drive, connection, joy and community spirit, all in the name of a cause that unites everyone on the road. 

A heartfelt thank you to the Warburton Bowls Club for hosting the Day 2 community event and for your incredible support of the FightMND mission. Your hospitality, energy and enthusiasm made it a morning to remember. 

Lunch with a view at Helen’s Hill Estate 

fter farewelling Warburton, the convoy cruised through Yarra Junction and into the heart of wine country, where Helen’s Hill Estate awaited with open arms and breathtaking views. Nestled among rolling vineyards just outside Lilydale, Helen’s Hill is a family-owned winery known for its cool-climate wines, warm service and genuine Yarra Valley hospitality. 

Drivers and crew enjoyed a relaxed lunch overlooking the vines. A welcome pause to refuel, share stories and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. The estate’s team pulled out all the stops to ensure the Drive Family felt right at home, creating an atmosphere that perfectly blended good food, great company and even better purpose. 

A huge thank you to the Helen’s Hill Estate team for welcoming the Daniher’s Drive convoy and hosting such a memorable lunch. Your generosity and support kept the Drive rolling strong. 

Pit Stop with Purpose at San Remo Hotel 

By afternoon, the journey turned coastal, and many teams pulled into the San Remo Hotel. A legendary local spot and longtime supporter of FightMND. Every year, the hotel goes all-out for their DIY Big Freeze, complete with a dunk tank, 20 brave local dunkees, and plenty of Big Freeze Beanies sold to raise funds and spirits. 

This Friday afternoon, V and Barry, the dynamic duo behind the San Remo Big Freeze, were there to welcome Drive participants and share how their community continues to rally behind the fight against MND. 

Trivia, tunes and team spirit at Silverwater Resort 

As the sun sets over the coast, the convoy is rolling into Silverwater Resort, ready to trade their driving gloves for trivia sheets. Tonight’s Trivia and Fundraising Gala will bring together Drive teams and members of the San Remo and Phillip Island community for an evening of laughter, friendly rivalry and big-hearted generosity. 

Who will take ultimate bragging rights in the battle of the brains? Stay tuned to find out.  

Make a Difference (Even If You’re Off the Road) 

You don’t have to be behind the wheel to make a difference this Daniher’s Drive. 

Our online Silent Auction is live, packed with incredible prizes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences waiting for your bid. Every dollar raised fuels vital MND research and programs supporting Australians living with the disease. 

Jump online, place your bid, and may the best bidder win. See who takes the chequered flag when the auction wraps at 10:30 pm AEDT Friday 10 October. 

And don’t forget, you can also purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a 2025 Jayco Discovery Outback caravan. Tickets are $40 each or 3 for $100, with every ticket helping to drive us closer to a cure.