The Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS), in partnership with True Foods and the Maryborough Golf Club, will be hosting their annual MDHS Charity Golf Day on Thursday, March 23.

The health service will be aiming to have their biggest ever event in 2023, and are aiming for a fundraising target of $30,000, which would be an increase on the 2022 edition, which raised $24,500.

An Ambrose event will be played on the day, and players can register as a team or as an individual on the day.

There will also be raffles to be won, while competitions on the day include a hole-in-one contest for a chance to win $1000, nearest to the pin and straightest drive of the day, with the competition run similarly to a standard round at the Maryborough Golf Club.

An auction will be held, with the major prize offered being a Stay and Play Package in Yarrawonga, with a two night stay at Hyland Hideaway, as well as fees for four to play at the Black Bull Golf Course.

MDHS CEO, Nickola Allan, was joined by True Foods managing director Mark Thurlow and avid golfer, and Supreme 1000 Lap Challenge golfer Atrel Turner for the announcement of the 2023 event on Wednesday.

Allan was excited about the prospect of the 2023 edition of the charity golf day being the biggest ever, with all funds set to improve dining for aged care residents who live at Wattle Rise Maryborough, with previous efforts to improve the experience in Avoca and Dunolly proving successful.

“Our fundraiser is going to be put towards the purchases of bain maries and some kitchen equipment, which would help our residents smell the food as it’s cooking and really be involved and engage their senses to improve their eating experience. Being able to smell and see things would make their appetite better. We know this, as we’ve been able to do something similar at Avoca and Dunolly as well. It’s enhanced all of our residents in a positive way,” she said.

Allan said spots are closing fast, with a full card of golfers expected on the day.

“We currently have 21 spots registered, and they are capping it at 25, so we have four spots left, which is really exciting to see a full card of golfers. It’s something we’ve been close to, but haven’t achieved over the last couple of years due to COVID, so it would be great to see as many people as possible out on the course on March 23,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter how good your golf is, it’s about being there, connecting with friends and having a hit and giggle as you go around. There will be raffles at the end of the day, so it will be a nice way to finish off in the Golf Club talking about the day, which is always a highlight.”

Allan said local businesses have jumped on board to support the event, with all holes sponsored for the day.

“The business support is fantastic. We’ve been lucky enough not only to be sponsored by the local community, but they’ve also jumped on board to sponsor the holes and keep coming back year on year. We have a full range of sponsors for the holes as a result. The fantastic support has continued this year,” she said.

Allan added that the support of True Foods and the Maryborough Golf Club continues to provide MDHS with one of the highlights of the year.

Golfers will tee off at 9 am. Registrations close on March 13, with a fee of $50 per player.

To register, visit mdhs.vic.gov. au/wp-content/uploads/ 2023/02/MDHS-Charity-Golf-Day-2023-Entry-Form.pdf