General News
13 November, 2025
Lexton’s Hot Dogs and Horse Power keeps giving back
WHEN Rob Johns took up residence in Lexton some 16 years ago, he began a journey of embracing the local community and a passion for helping others. Within two years, Rob launched an annual event supporting various charities, uniting nostalgic classic car enthusiasts and generous supporters. On Sunday the 2nd of November, the weather was perfect for this year’s event, Hot Dogs and Horse Power — the fourteenth edition of this much-loved annual fund-raiser.
In more recent years, the focus of the fundraising has centred on the Grampians Health Cancer Wellness Centre, also known as BRICC (Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre), supporting the vital work they do in the community.
Mel Sheeley from the Wellness Centre attended last Sunday’s event and was deeply moved by the generosity shown by those in attendance.
The support Rob receives each year to make the day a success continues to amaze him and his band of helpers.
Car enthusiasts travelled from far and wide, including from Moama, Warrnambool, Melbourne, Daylesford and, more locally, Skipton, Elmhurst, Evansford and Lexton.
The wide range of makes, models and years provided visitors with a rare opportunity to view some truly classic vehicles.
With a variety of food on offer — including hot dogs, refreshments and a coffee cart — patrons relaxed and enjoyed live entertainment from Ballarat band Low Down & Dirty.
Rob continues to be blown away by the success of the day.
“It’s terrific. I’m overwhelmed by the support from the locals and others who help with preparations, donations, attending and the wonderful owners who want to showcase their vehicles. The day highlights our town and each year its success as a fundraiser keeps growing. It’s amazing, the generosity of everyone — it’s been hugely successful once again.”
Representatives from the Pyrenees Historic Vehicle Club attended to present a cheque for $500, which was gratefully accepted by Rob, while the Mt Bolton and District Lions Club have committed to donating $2,000.
Patrons dug deep, resulting in over $1,000 in lucky ticket sales on the day, with many also choosing to make direct donations.
A further $930 was raised through the collection and cashing in of cans from the Lexton Community Hub prior to the event.
Rob was hesitant to receive accolades for his part in bringing everyone together.
“Most people have been impacted by the devil of a disease that cancer is so there is a common thread that draws people together and the other common thread is the cars that people own and are prepared to join together on the day with each one’s cancer experience front of mind.”
The feeling around this event is one of optimism.
“Hopefully it will continue to grow and we can always donate more each year as the Wellness Centre do such an amazing job and every cent is needed and indeed much appreciated.”
The combined total raised for the Cancer Wellness Centre by the Hotdogs and Horse Power day is still being tallied, but organisers say it will be over $5,600.
Another fabulous result for this vital and important wellness centre.