The Gippsland Ouest Classique (GOC) has been an annual cycling event for many years. The ride starts and finishes in Loch, a pretty tourist town just off the South Gippsland Highway. Historically, the ride has been held on the quiet bitumen roads in the hills south of Loch over distances ranging from 60km to 110km, plus the option of cycling on the gravel of the Great Southern Rail Trail.

Richard Large expertly organises the event each year and he and his team of riders get their wheels turning to make a difference to charitable Foundations and local wildlife organisations. In the past, the James Macready-Bryan (JMB) Foundation, 3D Hands and Wildlife Victoria have been supported by their powerful fundraising efforts. The Penguin Foundation was previously selected as the charity of choice in 2021 when $11,740 was raised by riders and their supporters.

Now, in 2025 the Gippsland Ouest Classique riders have outdone themselves by raising a whopping $14,596 to support the vital conservation and rehabilitation work for little penguins and other native species on Phillip Island.

Richard’s motivation for supporting the Foundation was inspired by a connection to the land and to honour a dear friend. “I have been visiting the island for more than 50 years, with my first memories as a pre-teen and have always been drawn to its rugged coastline, quiet beaches and beautiful flora and fauna. I was first introduced to the Penguin Foundation by my best mate and business partner, Michael Gatehouse, who was Chair of the Foundation when he passed away tragically and suddenly in September 2011. In 2021, on the 10th year after he passed away, this event raised over $11,000 for the Penguin Foundation in his honour. It is now over 13 years since his passing but his legacy continues and I thought this would be a meaningful way to recognise and advance the work that was important to him”, Richard said.

Prior to being appointed as Chair of the Penguin Foundation Board, Michael was a Board Member of Nature Parks. He also established the Ventnor West Coast Action Group which was instrumental in protecting natural habitat for short-tailed shearwaters and hooded plovers from overdevelopment in the Ventnor area. Michael was passionate about the natural environment.

The Penguin Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Richard and the 23 riders in the Gippsland Ouest Classique of 2025. Congratulations to all for making such a huge impact.

If you would like to establish your own unique Community Fundraiser on behalf of the Penguin Foundation, please click here for information.