$13k for Maddie’s birthday: Annual Beyond Blue fundraiser brings in another $13,000 and counting

Presents, cake and the centre of attention are the traditional ways to honour the birthday girl – why not make the day all about her?

However, all the attention for Maddie Smith’s birthday is centred on the dire need for mental health resources, and in the past eight years has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the cause, right in Gunnedah.

At the age of 21, Maddie died by suicide, but the date to remember around Gunnedah is her birthday which has become an annual Beyond Blue charity day at Woolworths’ car park on July 19.

Parents Vicki and Barry Smith and sister Gabby along with returning volunteers have been integral to the tradition growing.

The fundraiser brought in more than $13,000 this year and will continue to be counted until the end of the month.

The fundraiser originally started in 2016 when Vicki’s co-worker and family friend Patrina Marshall suggested a sausage sizzle to raise some money and awareness for Beyond Blue.

VOLUNTEERS: Elona Hammond, Kayla Poss, Jenny and David Finlay, Mary Browne, Sid Knight, Di Stacey, Cherie Gaites,
Irene Small, Anna Fitzsimmons, Jessie Betts, Jackie Gordon, Patrina Marshall, Rosemary Constable and Robyn Howarth.

Little did they know, it would grow to an annual event and community support would soon see the money raised hit five digits each year.

“It is just a day we remember Maddie,” Patrina said.

“She just touched our hearts so much.

“There is just so much suicide around and it does not discriminate.

“This year has just been marvellous. People dropped off food all morning and [there has been] support from everyone.

“We would just like to thank the whole community.”

Gunnedah Woolworths’ staff and community members were quick to help out, as they do every year, but especially with the recent passing of Barry.

Volunteers did not want to see this year’s bash cancelled, so they took the reins with Patrina at the helm.

Sausage sizzles, ‘100 clubs’, mountains of raffle prizes and plenty of treats made by professional and novice bakers were what kept the locals coming back each year. Not to mention a great cause with every item donated.

“It has just been amazing, absolutely amazing,” Patrina said.

“Even from selling raffle tickets last week to [the day].”

Even as inflation grew, raffle tickets and ‘100 clubs’ numbers remained at $2.

“It started off just as a simple sausage sizzle and now we are raising up to $14,000,” she said.

“We would just like to thank the community for supporting Vicki at this time and for showing love and support.”

Alecia and Dianne Coker

Mary Browne was among the many who whipped out the flour, eggs and sugar to prepare for the bash on Friday. She is pictured with her own cupcake creation.

Patrina Marshall accepting a $200 donation from Boggabri RSL Club represented by Terry Hadgett.

Sid Knight and David Finlay manning the barbecue.