Sport
23 January, 2026
Goldfields Playing Area’s Charity Round raises nearly $5000 for cancer support
The Goldfields Playing Area’s third annual Charity Round has been heralded a success, providing over $4000 for a vital local health cause.
The Maryborough Highland Society was a sea of colour last Saturday and Tuesday, as players from the local weekend and midweek pennants were encouraged to wear unique costumes during their first round of 2026 to show support for cancer patients.
Many clubs coordinated their attire to raise awareness for specific causes.
Several Dunolly teams were clothed in pink to represent breast cancer, Highland sides predominantly wore purple for pancreatic cancer and many bowlers had checkered shirts to signify the importance of routine check-ups.
With fundraising efforts covering donations, raffle tickets and green fees, players raised $4448.80 across two days for cancer support services at the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).
Goldfields Playing Area’s Annette Gillham was pleased to see the players routinely embrace the annual event, which continues to grow as an integral fixture of the local lawn bowls calendar.
“It was good to see that people make an effort and people were really into having fun and not being quite so serious as we are on pennant days,” she said.
“This year, people really noticed more of the clubs got involved with dressing up in colour, which makes it more special.
“People were just friendly, sitting around having a drink, joining in on the luncheons and making the raffle fun. We were very happy with it.”
According to the Cancer Council, almost one in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, with three in 10 deaths in 2024 estimated to be attributable to cancer.
With lawn bowls’ mostly senior playing body more susceptible to the risk of developing cancer, Gillham said the Goldfields Playing Area remains passionate in supporting programs their members or their loved ones might need.
“I think it brings people together as a community and the bowls people are a community that wants to support people,” she said.
“By having it for a medical cause, everyone will one day have a family member that needs some sort of medical assistance and I think we would like to be part of that community that helps a specific thing.”
MDHS acting chief executive officer Debbie Rogers said the organisation is extremely grateful for the support shown through the Charity Round.
“We sincerely thank the lawn bowls Goldfields Playing Area and everyone involved in the Charity Round for this very generous donation of $4448.80,” she said.
“Community-led fundraising like this makes a meaningful difference to the lives of people in our region who are affected by cancer.
“The funds will directly support MDHS cancer support services, helping to enhance patient and family support initiatives, including practical assistance, wellbeing programs and resources that improve the overall care experience.
“Every contribution helps us continue providing compassionate, quality care close to home. We are incredibly appreciative of the ongoing support from local community groups.”