Last week’s highly successful Sunshine Golf Classic has produced an estimated $35,000 for the classic’s two nominated charities.
Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund and Southern Peninsula Community Support will equally share the funds raised from the three-day golf tournament played at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort from Monday to Wednesday May 19-21.
It was popular gala event which included a silent auction in the club’s foyer of sporting memorabilia and a live auction during the dinner presentations on Wednesday.
The 150 diners included key representatives from the two beneficiaries of the funds raised, many star golfers from the Rosebud area, and football legends Michael Tuck and Bob Murray.
Established by the Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation, the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund raises money for cancer services in our region.
“All donations received by the trust fund stay here in our community and go towards funding the wellness centre, clinical trials and research, education and training, and cancer related equipment,” trust fund board director Bryan Blake told diners.
Southern Peninsula Community Support CEO Jeremy Maxwell said that parts of the Mornington Peninsula are amongst the most disadvantaged in Victoria with about 2,000 people struggling to make ends meet, including some 400 homeless.
Mr Maxwell and Mr Blake expressed their thanks to all the golfers, sponsors and all other attendees involved in the Sunshine Golf Classic which significantly contribute towards helping people in need.
Both paid special tribute to event organiser of 11 years Pat Randall from Rosebud, who works in conjunction with local Dario Prighel, the latter also being Master of Ceremonies for the dinner.
“What a journey to have been on – Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has stayed loyal and true,” Pat said.
“This is a magnificent golf course and everything has gone so well.”
With his vast auctioneer background, YMGCR President Andrew Shell, was most effective in obtaining excellent results from the 16 package items up for grabs. He spoke of the excellent partnership the club has with this annual golf event.
Mr Shell was also pleased to advise of a history-making effort on the 19th (or 46th) golf hole.
Playing the Lake Course, Safety Beach resident and Rosebud Country Club player Vickie Horton hit her 8-iron on the Par 3, 87 metre hole, was happy enough with the shot, picked up her tee, didn’t see where the ball finished but heard her playing scream out: “It’s in the hole!” “It’s my first one, I’m excited. I couldn’t believe it,” Vickie said.
A delicious three-course meal, popular entertainer Jade Camden from Barooga and the coming together of charities, golfers, supporters and sponsors made for a memorable 2025 Sunshine Golf Classic.