October 20, 2023
The South Burnett’s unique Mental Health Golf Challenge – played across seven different venues – has raised an incredible amount of money for local mental health initiatives.
Acting Mayor Gavin Jones, who organised the challenge alongside fellow councillor Scott Henschen, told southburnett.com.au that final figures were still being collated following Saturday’s competition final but the figure would be more than $70,000.
Round 1 of the Mental Health Golf Challenge was played in March at the Blackbutt Golf Course.
Monthly rounds then followed at Proston, Kumbia, Wondai, Kingaroy, Nanango and Murgon golf clubs.
The competition was played as a three-person ambrose.
The top three teams from every round – plus a random fourth – earned a spot in the Grand Final, which was played at Kingaroy Golf Club on Saturday (see results, below).
Teams paid entry fees to take part, but there were also raffles and an auction. Donations from individuals and businesses also flowed in.
Cr Jones said at least 49 sponsors had come on board to support the event, for which he was very grateful.
The largest individual donation came from Kingaroy residents Leanne and Barry Krosch, who were invited to take part in the prize presentations after the final round on Saturday.
Red Earth Community Foundation will be handling the distribution of the funds to not-for-profit groups supporting mental health in the South Burnett.
However, the first recipient has already been announced.
Copies of a new book, “Feeling Low”, will be purchased and provided to local kindergartens, pre-schools, schools and libraries.
The work is by local author Chrys McDuffie and Brisbane-based occupational and art therapist Natasha Claire.
The 32-page illustrated book is aimed at young people aged from 3 to 12, and provides strategies to support mental health and well-being.
Natasha said she had been working with families for more than 20 years and had drawn from her experiences about what can help.
Crs Jones and Henschen, and a small team of community volunteers, were also behind last year’s Cricket 4 Life fundraiser in Kingaroy which raised $27,000 for Relay For Life.
The Acting Mayor said that following the success of this first Golf Challenge, another could be held next year.
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Prize Winners
NB. Not pictured:
- NTP #9 Steve Davies (4.40m).
- In third place were T. Green, C. Green and G. Bell who won three admissions to Coolabunia P&C’s 2024 “Reef and Beef”
