BERT Austin is out selling raffle tickets ahead of the annual Heart Beat tournament each year. It is a tradition he and now-late wife Bev carried out for decades.
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He ensures he keeps the tradition going.
The Austins got involved to help out. They, like others on the greens, knew plenty of bowlers who had experienced a heart incident.
Then, Bev needed a by-pass and they experienced exactly what their efforts were about.
Ballarat District Bowls Division's Heart Beat tournament raises thousands of dollars each year for cardiac units at St John of God Ballarat Hospital and Ballarat Health Services.
- READ MORE: Shock mental toll in cardiac incidents
Having just rolled out the mats for the 33rd year on Sunday, the event stays true to the vision of George "Mr Heart Beat" Mouser in supporting the region's heart health.
The mixed fours tournament falls amid a break in pennant and often calls on junior bowlers and the most senior bowlers to join forces for fun.
Bowlers entered battle at City Oval and Ballarat bowling clubs on Sunday with big afternoon teas and raffles both popular features.
Heart Beat committee member Ross Jones said this was a great way to unite bowlers of all ages and clubs.
"There's always good fellowship and good fun and always a day to remember loved ones who are no longer with us," Mr Jones said. "Heart issues is something that affects a lot of us."
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BDBD chairman Marilyn Blake has also nominated Heart Beat as her charity of choice to donate all fines accumulated on the greens this season.
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