Western Health Foundation's Charity Golf Day Triumphs

The Western Health Foundation, along with premium partners Lendlease and Ecolab, and major sponsors, Multiplex, Compass Group, Symcare, Qube and Peerless Foods, celebrated a resounding success at our annual Charity Golf Day, held Friday 17 May. In the crisp morning air and the glow of the sunrise at Medway Golf Club, golfers from corporate teams gathered with coffees and breakfast rolls in hand, eager to play some golf and contribute to a worthy cause.

The day kicked off with a briefing of the 4 Person Ambrose competition from Brett Scothern at Medway Golf Club, before teams were sent onto the fairways. Golfers could enjoy pit stops along their way, with an oyster station by Oyster Lux, donuts from Krispy Kremes, crisps and juices from Quest Hotels, delicious cheese from Bill’s Farm, gin cocktails from Patient Wolf and wine from Austin’s Wines.

As players navigated the course, they enjoyed the challenge of the game and the camaraderie, spotting each of the hole sponsors as they went, including Plenary Health, Maxxia, Kwill, John Holland, Form 700, Morgan Stanley, Honeywell and Hassett. Several contests kept the play competitive, with awards available for the Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin.

Just before a heavy afternoon rain came in, attendees were welcomed inside the club’s warm dining hall, where a delicious three-course lunch was served, and presentations took place, all hosted by Australian comedy legend Lehmo.

Our fundraising goal for this year’s event was to raise $200,000 toward the purchase of two extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines at Western Health. ECMO machines provide temporary support to patients with life-threatening heart and lung conditions.

The event culminated in a heartfelt visit from past Western Health patient Ajay, his family and Sunshine Hospital Intensive Care Senior Consultant, Doctor Yang Yang. Ajay’s story is one of many that brings to light the need for ECMO machines onsite at Western Health.

At Western Health, we do not currently have ECMO machines onsite, so in Ajay’s case, the doctors had to make the difficult but necessary decision to transfer Ajay to Barwon Health, where he was put on ECMO for a total of 39 days. Ajay was able to return home to his wife and young daughter in April that same year. Ajay’s is a success story, but there could have been a very different outcome. In critical situations, ECMO can sustain life, and every minute counts.

When the formalities concluded, guests were given the opportunity to bid on an impressive array of online and live auction items, generously donated by local businesses, sponsors and individuals, with all proceeds going toward our fundraising goal. Among the most coveted items were a Makybe Diva Marquee at Stakes Day, donated by the Victoria Racing Club, and an exclusive dining experience with AFL Western Bulldog greats Easton Wood and Ilija Grgic, donated by Lamaros Hotel.

The Golf Day award winners were then announced, and gratitude was expressed to all who participated and contributed. Western Health’s Director of People, Culture and Communications, Sandy Schutte, took to the stage to thank everyone for their generosity, and to announce the total at the time of speaking. “Your generosity and efforts have raised more than total $177,000 for Western Health, which will directly benefit patients like Ajay.”

The Charity Golf Day concluded with a surprise announcement from Symcare, presented by Neslihan Dastan. In her announcement, she shared her own mother's story and the need for ECMO, handing over a $20,000 cheque on behalf of Symcare to ensure Western Health had ECMO on-site for all patients who needed it.

The overwhelming support and generosity demonstrated on the day and beyond underscored the corporates’ commitment to the Western suburb’s local health services.

And so, we are very pleased to announce that the total funds raised are $217,035!

With the success of this year’s event, the Western Health Foundation looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition, celebrating the fun of fundraising, and making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

1st Prize sponsored by Zaparas Lawyers: Form700 - Craig Butcher, Warren Kalify, Jamin Crawley, Wasyl Rosati

2nd Prize sponsored by Zaparas Lawyers: John Holland - Marie Fournier, Kent Moss, Mal Wallace, Matthew Quick

3rd Prize sponsored by Zaparas Lawyers: Lendlease - Andrew Miller, Jake Sainsbury, Ilija Grgic, Aldrich Chen

Best Dressed sponsored by HESTA: Derek Ngan

Best Team Name sponsored by Western Health Foundation: Qube-tees - Luke Thomas, Kevin Jenkins, Anthony Lehmo

Men’s and Women’s Nearest to the Pin sponsored by Lendlease: David Hassett

Men’s and Women’s Nearest to the Pin sponsored by ECOLAB: Tom Owen

Men’s Nearest to the Pin sponsored by Peerless Foods: Steve Debono

Women’s Nearest to the Pin sponsored by Compass: Stephanie Bunque

Men’s Longest Drive sponsored by QUBE: Rory Doran.

Women’s Longest Drive sponsored by Symcare: Sophie Alexander.

Men’s and Women’s Nearest to the Pin – 2nd Shot sponsored by Multiplex: Kent Moss.