Golfers from businesses across the region have entered teams who will do battle for the Geoff Redpath Memorial Trophy. Full details here:
Some 200 golfers will hit the course to raise money for mental health initiatives.
Golfers from businesses across the region have entered teams who will do battle for the Geoff Redpath Memorial Trophy.
For the second year about 100 ladies will also hold their Flourish Garden luncheon event in conjunction with the golf day.
This is the seventh annual golf day after the Fraser Coast Mates was formed in memory of a popular business identity from the area.
The group formed to provide a better understanding to the community about mental health and to provide urgent counselling services for those who make the step to speak up.
23/06/2023 – Golfers will wear pink for the seventh annual Fraser Coast Mates Golf Day on Friday, June 23. Picture: supplied
Fraser Coast Mates president Darren Bosley said having conversations and providing a safe and trusting environment was the starting point for people to be comfortable to open up about their mental health.
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“So often we hear instances of someone suffering with mental illness but hiding this from family and friends” he said.
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“Mental health is a growing problem within our community and we know that business owners and leaders want to support sufferers and direct them to the correct services.”
Before the golfers tee off on Friday, there will be a group photograph of all competitors in their pink shirts in honour of Geoff Redpath.
Geoff Redpath. Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle
“We all wear pink because when Geoff played golf he loved wearing pink shirts,” Bosley explained.
“The very first year we wore pink shirts and it’s just taken off from there.
“From the first fundraiser we had seven years ago, it has just grown.
“We originally had 80 people attend and this week we will have more than 300 at the golf day and the ladies luncheon.
“We have sponsors that help support the whole day. Last year we raised more than $40,000 during the day.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and it’s just a great day
“Determining a winner can be highly debated at the end of the day.
“It’s more about getting people together to raise awareness of mental health issues, raising some money and having some fun.”