A great day on the green raises funds for local healthcare
The 2025 MDHS Charity Golf Day & Bowls Challenge has wrapped up with another fantastic result, raising around $24,000 for Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).
The annual event held on Thursday 27 March at Maryborough Golf Club, brought together 100 golfers and 18 bowlers for a day of friendly competition, connection and fundraising.
Proudly run in partnership with True Foods and Maryborough Golf Club, the annual event continues its legacy as a major fundraiser to support healthcare services, equipment and workforce development at MDHS.
For the first time, the event included a Lawn Bowls Challenge to expand community involvement and fundraising efforts.
MDHS CEO Nickola Allan said the event highlights the power of local partnerships and the community’s commitment to quality healthcare.
“It was fantastic to see both golfers and bowlers enjoying the day, all coming together to support the future of healthcare in our region,” said Mrs Allan.
“Every dollar raised helps fund essential equipment, training and projects that strengthen healthcare close to home – especially as we prepare to open our new $115 million hospital.”
The event builds on the success of more than a decade-long partnership with True Foods and Maryborough Golf Club.
True Foods Co-Founder and Director Mark Thurlow said supporting the event is a natural fit for the business, which is proud to be part of the local community.
“This event is one of the highlights of the year for us. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back, spend time with our suppliers and supporters, and raise funds that make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Mr Thurlow.
“So many of our staff and their families rely on the services at MDHS, so it’s a cause close to our hearts,” he said.
“I love seeing the community come together. Local businesses and sponsors, players, volunteers and supporters — uniting together. It’s that strong sense of community and connection that makes the day so uplifting and memorable,” said Mr Thurlow.
Maryborough Golf Club General Manager Bon Tai said the new Lawn Bowls Challenge, led by the Bowls Committee, was a great success.
“We were really excited to see bowlers join the event this year – it added another great layer of friendly competition and community spirit,” said Mr Tai.
“We’re proud to support MDHS as our local health service, and thank everyone who took part to make the day such a success and keep things running smoothly.”
Results
Golf winners
- Men’s Nett: Glen Warne, John Wilson, Marc Millard and Adam Balzan – 52.5
- Mixed Nett: Matt Beales, Paul Halpin, Josh Bullen and Chloe Spiliopoulos – 50
- Scratch: Paul Simmons, Jarrod Newell, Dean Nalder and Adam Bell – 61
- Nearest the Pin (9th hole) – Sean Pendlebury
- Straightest Drive: Marc Millard
Lawn bowls results
- Winning team – The Legends – Jeff Smith, Michelle Harris and Des Yin Foo
- Runner up: The Nuggets – Paul Duetscher, Phil Mortlock and Nugget Thomas.
The major auction item – a Stay and Play package, generously donated by the Nackoski Family at Hyland Hideway and Black Bull Golf Course Yarrawonga, was snapped up by the F#$K Cancer Team for $1,200.
MDHS extends its thanks to all businesses and individuals who made the event possible:
Partners: True Foods and Maryborough Golf Club
Golf hole sponsors:
Allround packaging, Community Bank – Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud, Central Victorian Transporters, Eziway Salary Packaging, Manildra Group, Maryborough Toyota, True Foods and Visy Board.
Lawn bowls rink sponsor: Maryborough Toyota
Prize sponsors: AFS & Associates Bendigo, Azelis, Integral Food Ingredients, Sonac Australia
Main auction: Stay and Play Package, Hyland Hideaway and Black Bull Golf Course Yarrawonga.
Donors: Bent Stems, Bi-Rite Home Appliances, Blue Pyrenees Estate, Bull and Mouth Hotel, Coco Red, Drummond Golf, Elite Freight Solutions, Hartwell Shoes, Hip Pocket Ballarat, Izak Fox, JM Leech Jewellers, Lyal Eales Stores, Macks Fashion & Surf, Maryborough Pharmacy, Priceline Pharmacy Maryborough, Summerfield Wines and Taltarni Vineyards.
Catering
Bidfood Bendigo, Bundaberg Brewery, Cadell Food Services, Carisbrook Lions Club, Don’s Smallgoods Castlemaine, JL King & Co, Maryborough Golf Club, Nature’s Cargo Ballarat, Parkview Bakery Maryborough, Subway Maryborough and True Foods.
“This incredible generosity helps ensure MDHS can continue to deliver high-quality healthcare and train the next generation of local healthcare workers,” said Mrs Allan
“We’re so grateful to everyone who got behind this year’s event. Every contribution—big or small—helps strengthen healthcare in our community.”
It’s not too late to support the event. To make a donation, contact MDHS on (03) 5461 0333.