Visiting Hours: Maryborough Hospital 10am-6pm, 7 days / Aged Care - visitors welcome, no set hours

Three people stand on a green on a golf course. They each hold a golf club and there is a flag marking the hole behind them. A women stands in front of men, and reveals a golf ball in the palm of her hand.

The annual MDHS Charity Golf Day is back on Thursday 21 March promising a day of friendship, compassion and competition to raise funds for Maryborough District Health Service.

The cherished fundraiser, run in partnership with True Foods and Maryborough Golf Club aims to raise funds for vital programs, services and equipment at MDHS.

“The MDHS Charity Golf Day has been a beacon of community support, rallying golf enthusiasts, businesses and community members to raise much needed funds,” said Nickola Allan, Chief Executive Officer, Maryborough District Health Service.

“This year we are focusing on raising $30,000 to purchase state-of-the-art simulation equipment for Maryborough Hospital, which is essential for training our healthcare workforce for the future.

“This equipment will be instrumental in sharpening life-saving emergency care skills, ensuring our staff, and nursing and medical students are prepared to handle any situation with precision and confidence,” she said.

Celebrating a decade long partnership

This year marks a remarkable milestone as the event celebrates a decade-long partnership between True Foods, Maryborough Golf Club and MDHS.

Since True Foods, a locally based Australian-owned food manufacturer, joined as a major partner in 2014, the alliance has raised more than $200,000 to facilitate improvements to healthcare services in the Central Goldfields region.

“The impact of this collective effort can be seen right across the community,” said Mrs Allan, citing essential vehicles like the Cancer Care car and Wellness in Motion van for patient transport, along with cutting-edge mammography equipment as key benefits.

Supporting the cause

According to True Foods Managing Director Mark Thurlow, the company takes pride of its involvement in the event and the tangible impact it has on healthcare services.

“While golf may be the highlight of the day for some, our focus remains on rallying support from many businesses in our network, and ensuring everyone is well fed on the day,” said Mr Thurlow.

National Sales Manager Food Service Robert Nackoski spearheads this effort with planning starting almost a year out. Rob is well supported by the team to coordinate food and drink donations from local and interstate suppliers to provide a hearty breakfast and lunch, as well as secure sponsorship and teams to play.

“We all take pride in supporting the great work done by MDHS and love the supportive and inclusive feeling that comes from the collaborative spirit of the day.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase what the Maryborough community is all about, and give back to this wonderful town and community,” said Mr Thurlow.

“We often hear many people talk about how their lives have been touched by the care team at MHDS, and how important the hospital and health services are to this town.”

Join the cause on or off the green

According to Maryborough Golf Club Captain Dave Kerry, the club is thrilled to host the day as a long standing partner in the event.

“The MDHS Charity Golf Day is one of our foremost events to support the community. It’s important for us to work together to help MDHS with their major fundraiser,” said Mr Kerry.

“Participants can look forward to a day of excitement and goodwill, with opportunities to showcase their golfing skills in the Ambrose event,” he said.

Compete for various honours such as winning team, nearest the pin, straightest drive and the coveted $1,200 hole-in-one competition. Win exciting prizes in the raffle or through winning bids in the auction.

“Come and join us for a great cause whether you’re a seasoned golfer, interested in joining a team or simply looking to give back to your local community,” said Mr Kerry.

“You do need to sign up to play before the big day. We recommend you get in fast as places fill quickly.”

“The golf course is looking absolutely spectacular this year. It’s probably the best it’s ever been, thanks to the staff and volunteers that put in the long hours to look after it.”

The event starts with breakfast and registration at 8:00 am, before a shotgun start at 9:00 am. The registration fee of $65 per player includes green fees, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

For non-players who still want to join in the fun, a new $25 option is available, including lunch from 12noon to 1.00pm.

Don’t miss your chance to get involved. For more information or to register visit mdhs.vic.gov.au. Sign up as a team or individual by COB on Monday 11 March.

If you would like to sponsor a hole or make a prize or cash donation please contact Sharyn Walker at Maryborough District Health Service on 03 5461 0301.