Golfers raise funds for Yallambee for third time

More than $7000 was raised for Yallambee Gunnedah on Sunday March 8, as there were 84 participants in the charity golf day for the accommodation facility which houses people aged 55 and beyond.

Funds were raised via sponsorship, an auction, raffle and 100 club.

The auction raised $565, as items included hampers, a load of wood, and mugs featuring an engraved Yallambee logo.

Prizes that were donated included mugs, vouchers, first aid kits, umbrellas, hats and bags, as well as a Swiss watch.

Yallambee board chairperson Colleen Fuller said the Yallambee charity golf day – in its third year – was a great success, having received tremendous support from the business community.

Mrs Fuller said, “This continued support by local business was predicted way back in 1966 when Doug Heath, then chairman of Yallambee Homes for the Aged Association, when seeking a federal government grant to establish Yallambee, wrote to the director of the Department of Social Services, stating, ‘Should our expectations be overoptimistic in this regard, we still have no worries as our association now has the full backing of Rotary, Lions, Quota and also all the registered clubs of the town. This is developing into a town project. We have our local radio station’s charitable appeal coming up on October 30, and all monies raised this year will be in aid of Homes for the Aged.'”

Mrs Fuller said the fact that Yallambee was still operating some 60 years later “can be attributed to the tremendous support that we have received from the community – whether it be business houses, clubs or individuals – and we are very proud that this tradition continues and is demonstrated by the support shown for the conduct of our charity golf day over the last three years”.

Mrs Fuller said the funds raised were aimed at the replacement of guttering on the building, the replacement of bathroom windows and the installation of a solar battery – “three very important projects for the residents of Yallambee”.

“Yallambee board members Amanda Cooper, Chris Gittoes and Owen Hasler were instrumental in organising and conducting the day while golf pro Tom Major was the golf club contact,” she said.

“All did a great job to ensure the day was a success and fun for those involved.

“Thanks also to the members of the Rotary Club of Gunnedah West who did such a great job in keeping the hungry golfers fed by cooking the barbecue.

“We look forward to repeating the event in 2027 should the club grant us another charity golf day.”

The winning team of Joe Bunce, Liam Sevil and Grosser brothers Lucas and Ben had a score of 53 in the 4-person Ambrose while runners-up Stuart and Jock Carter, Warren Stacey and Doug Perrett had 53.75.

Nearest-the-pin winners were Ray Nixon (men’s) and Courtney Ryan (ladies) on the 2nd hole, Pat Cain (men’s) on the 7th, and Andy Connell (men’s) on the 12th.

Bailey Keeler (men’s) and Donna O’Connell (ladies) won the straight drives.