After 14 months of restrictions, Western Health Foundation was excited to be staging its first post-covid fundraising event on Friday 30 April, with the Western Health Corporate Golf Day. The day raised over $112,000 in support of new electrocardiogram (ECG) machines for the early diagnosis and prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
The event saw 104 golfers in teams of four take to the course at Medway Golf Club in Maribyrnong for what turned out to be a stunning autumn day.
The golfers completed the 18-hole course over five hours, with plenty of stops along the way at the Scotchmans Hill Winery and Patient Wolf Gin tasting tables. Oncourse snacks were generously provided by Quest Apartments Maribyrnong.
The day was full of comradery, with all teams banding together, united by the common goal to raise funds for Western Health. The Gordon Legal team took out first place, despite only having three players, winning with a score of 48.
Post-golf, players and guests enjoyed a sit-down lunch emceed by sports broadcaster Tiffany Cherry. Western Health Board Chair Robyn Batten thanked players and sponsors for their attendance while Western Health Chief Executive, Russell Harrison, provided an overview of the event's fundraising focus.
Following lunch, MC Tiffany Cherry hosted a Q&A session with special guests Peter Gordon, former Chair of the Western Bulldogs, and Collingwood player Jordan Roughead, a former 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership player and a long-time advocate for Western Health.
A fundraising auction, facilitated by auctioneer James Paynter, together with a raffle, contributed to the day's fundraising total, with fantastic prizes donated from generous sponsors.
One auction item, a behind the scene money can't buy experience, raised $1,500.
Dawn Molineux was the successful bidder of the money can't buy experience, exclusive access to the Andrew Ramsden Stakes Day at Flemington Race Course on the 15 May.
The prize was kindly donated by the Victorian Racing Club and included lunch in the committee room and a behind the scenes tour where they were able to hear directly from jockey Brett Prebble.
""We had a fabulous day. A highlight of the day was being taken through the mounting area to watch the horses prepare for the race and then watching the race trackside at the finishing post.""
— Dawn Molineux
"My employer, Compass Group, is a major sponsor of the Golf Day. It was a great day for our team to get together and support Western Health," said Dawn.
Proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing 30 electrocardiogram (ECG) machines used to measure electrical activity of the heart and to check for early signs of heart disease. These ECG machines directly link into the Western Health electronic patient records system to provide real-time information straight to caregivers. It's another way that Western Health is transforming the delivery of healthcare in Melbourne's west.
Thank you to all players, sponsors and guests for contributing to the day's success.