The Harry & Peggy Maddicks Golf Day on Friday 14 April raised much-needed funds for medical equipment and facility upgrades at Daylesford Health. An incredible $13,925 was raised from sponsor donations, player fees and auction items.

Environmental Systems Solutions Team were big winners on the day. L to R: Hamish McLaren, Glen McLaren, Peter Kamstra and Tom Bach.

The 18-hole open Ambrose event featured best dressed, nearest pin, longest and straightest drive competitions. The best stroke team winners were Melbourne team ES Solutions, who also won the best-dressed team and individual prizes. The best handicap winners were the Ballarat team Stylerite Windows & Doors.

Central Highlands Rural Health Board Deputy-Chair, Kate Redwood, spoke to players, sponsors and guests to thank them for their generosity and to highlight the need for significant upgrades across the aging Daylesford Health facilities.

“What a wonderful day at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club for a good cause,” said Kate. “Thank you to all who gave generously to ensure the success of Daylesford Health’s first charity golf day. The funds raised will contribute to the future of the health service. We will continue to rally support so that locals can be assured that they will continue to receive quality healthcare close to home.”

Event sponsor Tim Byrne, Harry & Peggy Maddicks’ estate executor, was thrilled when he heard how much fun was had and how much money was raised. “I know my friend Harry would be so happy that his and sister Peggy’s legacy live on. We need to keep supporting the rural hospital. It’s essential,” Tim said.

The Maddicks family estate has been supporting the Daylesford Hospital since 1999, thanks to executor Tim Byrne, who sponsored the event in their honour. The total funds raised to date by the estate amounts to an incredible $278,000.

The Hon. William Stanbridge (MLC), Hans Gunter Brachmann and Ernest Zelman were honoured at the event for their incredible individual contributions to the health service since it opened in 1862. The family of Ernest Zelman, who lead a capital campaign to upgrade the hospital in the 1930s, are still contributing to the health service he was passionate about almost 100 years later. His grandson Max Zelman and great-granddaughter, Kate Sellars-Jones, donated items to the auction in his memory.

Cr Lesley Hewitt was also honoured for her efforts to raise funds for the Hospital Master Plan and her contribution to the Hospital Board. She reflected on the day after enjoying afternoon tea with players, sponsors, Central Highlands Rural Health’s Board, and staff. “I am so pleased that the idea raised with Hepburn Springs Golf Club’s past president, Barry Files, has evolved into this successful event enjoyed by all involved.”

“Honouring the legacy of those who contributed so much to create and maintain our local health service is important. This is a great opportunity for us all to consider the legacy we are creating for ourselves and the impact we could have on future generations of Daylesford residents.” Cr Hewitt said.