Essendon and the Western Bulldogs will go head to head in Bendigo this weekend for the annual AFL Tynan-Eyre Challenge Cup. A capacity crowd is expected at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo to see these two Melbourne-based AFL clubs teams in action and at the same time, raise money for the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. The match is in memory of murdered police officers Constables Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre. Constables Tynan and Eyre died after being shot in Walsh Street. South Yarra on October 12, 1988.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of the 137 police members killed in the line of duty. Money raised at the match will go towards new medical facilities at the Bendigo Base Hospital. Supporters of both clubs can travel to Bendigo on a special train service, the Blue Ribbon Express. The Blue Ribbon Foundation and V-Line are providing the train service. The train will depart from Spencer Street Railway Station at 10.35am on Saturday, March 8th and arrive in Bendigo at 12.40pm in time for the 2pm match.

The return journey will leave Bendigo at 5.15pm and arrive back in Spencer Street at 7.15pm. Catering will be provided on board so passengers will be able to enjoy morning tea and other refreshments. Arrangements for the Blue Ribbon Express are as follows:

General Public and Supporters
The Blue Ribbon Foundation is handling booking and tickets for the Blue Ribbon Express. Return fares are $15 for adults and $5 for children and concessions. These fares do not include entry to the football, Essendon members have free admission upon presentation of their membership card. Admission prices for non-members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
Enjoy a great day at the football and don’t battle weekend traffic on the road to get there. People who want to book for the Blue Ribbon Express should phone the Foundation on 9555 8000 or send an email to blueribbonday@hotmail.com

Money raised in previous AFL practice games has gone towards building the Tynan-Eyre Trauma Centre in Bendigo and the Foundation hopes to fund additional projects during 2003. The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation ensures those police members killed while serving the community are remember by the wider Victorian community, by giving financial support to worthwhile community projects in Victoria.Specialised medical facilities in public hospitals already funded by the Foundation gives treatment to over 50,000 patients each year.