Golf Day proceeds to grant more wishes

Uniting AgeWell’s Wishing Well program received a massive boost this week, following its fifth successful Annual Charity Golf Day.

On Monday, November 20, 100 competitors from 23 teams teed off at the spectacular Commonwealth Golf Club. 

The hugely popular day and the major fundraising event will help Uniting AgeWell make the dreams of its clients come true.  

Congratulations to the winning team, HESTA/Transform Physio, comprising Helena Higginbottom, John Barry, Johnathan Cramb and Shehan Fernando.  The players received Perpetual Trophy honours and each took home a glass winner trophy and a $150 Rebel Sports voucher.

The second-placed team was Stella Renovations, with players Anthony Stella, Phill Stella, Sol Georgiou and Darren Salt.  They each received a bottle of Chandon Vintage Brut.

Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly thanked the generous sponsors and players, whose involvement in the Golf Day had a direct impact on the lives of valued clients. 

“Since our last golf day, we’ve been able to fulfil 25 wishes and have another 15 pending,” he said.

“Seventy wishes have been granted since the program began three years ago.”

The many people who have realised their dreams includes Keith, who flew in a Tiger Moth; Marty, who cruised down the Yarra River; Gordon and Dorothy, who rode on the Melbourne Observation Wheel and Enid, who took a ride in a motorbike sidecar.

“With 7,000 clients, there are always more wishes to be granted,” Andrew said. 

In addressing the crowd at the Golf Day, Uniting AgeWell Board Chair Rev Allan Thompson emphasised the importance of delivering programs that were aligned with the Uniting Church’s core values.  He said granting the wishes brought hope, joy and happiness to people’s lives. 

Uniting AgeWell would like to thank everyone involved in the Charity Golf Day for their generous support.  Particular thanks go to Platinum Sponsor Paywise Salary Packaging and Gold Sponsors Ascot Group, Cura Pharmacy and SJ Higgins.

Golf results

• Winners: HESTA/Transform Physio
• Runners-up: Stella Renovations
• Nearest the pin (Hole 9): Jeremy Golds, TENA (Asaleo Care)
• Nearest the pin (Hole 15): Josh Fell, Gemini Catering
• Longest drive (Hole 2) women: Helena Higginbottom, HESTA
• Longest drive (Hole 2) men: Nathan Allen, Ascot Group
• Straightest drive (Hole 18) women: Jo Leeds, CH2
• Straightest drive (Hole 18) men Callum Wood, Grant Thornton
• Mystery 9: SP&R Air-Conditioning
• Best placed mixed team: HESTA/Transform Physio
• Last place team: Thomson Adsett

Raffle draw

• 4th prize, Simulator session at Big Swing Golf: Brad Meates, Lion Dairy and Drinks
• 3rd prize, Physio Treatment valued at $380: Dean Sheean, Michael Reading Registered Electrical Contractors
• 2nd prize, Round of golf for four people: Dean Sheean, Michael Reading Registered Electrical Contractors
• 1st prize, His and hers Garmin watches: Damian McHugh, Ascot Group