Tamworth's annual ANZAC memorial ride returns to raise money for young veterans

For the eighth year, the annual ANZAC memorial ride will be held in Tamworth to raise money to support young veterans.

Event organiser Rebecca Chapman said they were anticipating one of their biggest turn outs yet, with more than 100 riders expected to show up to the event.

"It's just a different way of remembering and supporting our veterans," Ms Chapman said.

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This year, the money raised from the event will go towards helping the Tamworth Veterans' Hub establish and a physical space to offer support, counselling and a sense of belonging to returned service people.

Ms Chapman said the space would be focused on attracting younger veterans to make sure they get the help they need.

"They're [Tamworth Veterans' Hub] noticing they're not coming and not reaching out for help," she said.

"A lot of younger veterans potentially feel that they're not worthy sometimes, that they don't consider themselves as ANZACS."

While it's all about supporting returned veterans, this year's event holds a special place in Ms Chapman's heart for another reason.

It's the first time the ride will be held without her father, Mick Billington, who came up with the idea for the ride over drinks at the pub all those years ago.

Mr Billington served in the army for more than 10 years as a mechanical engineer in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.

Ms Chapman said he was also wanting to help others, which was a testament to the event he had created.

"This year it's very important for me to be continuing Mick's legacy, it's sort of my 'tip of the hat' to him," she said.

"He was very humble, but super generous with the biggest heart and is dearly missed."

Registration and a barbeque breakfast will start at 8:30am on April 30 at ANZAC Park, before riders head off on the route that will be announced that day.

For more information contact Rebecca Chapman on 0413 380 822.

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