Golf day raises $19,000 for rescue helicopter

GOLFERS teed off in record numbers in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Darrell Jones (Komatsu) with Sam Dorrington, Bailey Tull, Will Mason and Caleb Dorrington.

The service’s Gunnedah Support Group raised almost $19,000, with close to 160 participants taking part in its annual fundraiser.

The winning team consisted of Quade, Ken and Jon Renton, alongside Wayne McIntosh.

Second place was awarded to Will Mason, Caleb Dorrington, Sam Dorrington and Bailey Tull.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Gunnedah Support Group volunteers were pleased that the golf day fundraiser was a resounding success. Pictured are Chris Frend, Robyn Howarth, Jill Bell, Deb Stoneman, Kenton Shaw, Heather and John Stephens, Rob Frend, Pam Shaw and Marg Langfield. Right: Brady Tudgey with the Sir Donald Bradman memorabilia purchased through the auction.

Support group committee member and golf day coordinator Robin Capp said the organisation was delighted with the day’s success.

“We couldn’t fit any more golfers in,” she said.

Brady Tudgey with the Sir Donald Bradman memorabilia purchased through the fundraising auction.

“It was all very pleasing.”

The North West region knows all too well the value of the rescue helicopter, which is regularly deployed to towns and villages, as well as hospitals and on-site incidents.

“The community is very generous when it comes to supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

“It’s a charity they love to support.”

Robyn Howarth presents a prize to Fay Hausfeld.

The local Komatsu branch again served as major sponsor of the event.

An auction also drew strong interest from participants, particularly the sporting memorabilia on offer.

Capp said the group was grateful for the donation of a framed photograph of Sir Donald Bradman and a cricket bat, as well as a framed photograph of the Australian cricket team that toured Britain in 1948.

Brady Tudgey was the successful bidder on the Bradman memorabilia.