A MELBOURNE Cup Day fashion parade at New Norfolk on Tuesday raised $86 towards a community garden at St Matthews Church. Organiser Nicole McKenzie said it was a pleasant surprise to have the attendance of Dick Adams MHR and his local staff Craig Farrell and Jess Dallas.

"It was really encouraging  to see such influential and respected people take time out of their busy schedules to come and show their support, we would like to extend our sincere thanks," Nicole said. "We would also like to wholeheartedly thank the Derwent Valley Council for their generous grant of $500 which will enable us to kick-start the project with the purchase of some raised garden beds; we were over the moon to see that our council is so supportive of small community projects."