A group of Newcastle motorbike riders is calling for others to join them on a three-day ride in October to raise funds for mentoring and scholarships for local disadvantaged kids.

The seven riders are setting out from Newcastle on Friday October 14. They will ride to Uralla and North Haven, returning to Newcastle on Sunday October 16. Proceeds from Ride for the Stars will go to the Grow a Star program run by community housing provider Home in Place.

Event organiser and Home in Place community and events manager Michelle Faithfull said the ride along the winding roads of the Hunter, New England and mid North Coast promises to be a scenic and rewarding adventure. Ms Faithfull said participants will be riding with fellow motorbike enthusiasts while making a difference to the lives of local young people.

“Grow a Star scholarships help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome the financial or generational obstacles that prevent them from following their dreams,” Ms Faithfull said.

Michael Nolan is one of the riders. The Hamilton North resident works for Home in Place as a project manager. He has been riding motor bikes for 45 years and will be riding his Harley Davidson Road King.

“I hear the stories of how much of a difference the scholarships make to young people and their parents,” Mr Nolan said.

“There are talented young people who don’t get to realise their dreams in the arts, school or sport because they can’t afford lessons or equipment,” he said.

“I get to enjoy my passion – go on a wonderful weekend ride on the Harley – and help make a difference to a young person’s life. Why wouldn’t you sign up for that?”

Participants need to have a P2 or full licence along with a registered and insured motorbike. They need to be willing to raise a minimum of $500.

To participate or sponsor a rider visit www.ride-for-the-stars-2022.raisely.com. For more information email [email protected].

Since it was established in 2012 the Grow a Star program has provided more than 500 scholarships to young people, not just Home in Place tenants, in the Hunter, Central Coast, Central West and Far West regions of NSW and in South-East Queensland. To find out more about the program or applying for or sponsoring scholarships visit www.growastar.org.