Rotary Club raises thousands in support of nursing scholarships

By Caleb Francis

Feb 28, 2023

A good cause: (Back) Fil D’Addario, Craig McIntyre, Alan Favaro, David Rhys-Jones and Darren Humphrey. (Front) GV Health Foundation’s Claire Ewart-Kennedy and Specsavers retail director Fiona Jackson at the Rotary Club’s annual charity golf day. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Rotary Club of Shepparton Central hosted its annual charity golf day on Friday, February 24.

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The fundraiser has been held for the past 30 years, and for the past three years, the funds were raised to support the GV Health Foundation.

Co-organiser and Rotarian Phil Squire said the event had had “some really fantastic sponsors”, who had helped raise a significant amount of money over the years.

“We hope to raise around $30,000 today,” he said.

Mr Squire also noted that the day was enjoyable, and throughout its history had raised close to $1 million.

“People just come out to enjoy the golf course, enjoy a lovely lunch, enjoy a few drinks,” he said.

“It’s a nice way to finish the week off.”

Quicklift team: (Back) Metty Selman, Rod Sutherland, Beau Novotny, Bryan Scott, Ron Cobbledick and Brad Simpson. (Front) Robyn Sutherland, David Rhys-Jones, Jarrod Sutherland and Claire Ewart-Kennedy. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mr Squire said the charity golf day was one of the events he really looked forward to, and that it was one of the major events for the golf club and the biggest fundraiser the Shepparton Central Rotary Club hosted for the year.

GV Health Foundation and Engagement director Claire Ewart-Kennedy attended the event and expressed her gratitude to all the sponsors and the Rotary Club.

Donations coming in hot (and cold): Phil Lahm, Paul Marshall, Jade Tucker and Kon Petrousis from Hot and Cold Shop, another sponsor of the event. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I’d like to say thank you to the sponsors. Specsavers, Hot and Cold Shop and Quicklift, and everyone who has turned up, donated money or their time,” she said.

“Charity begins at home, but good work also starts in our community.

“We’re raising money for our community by our community to be spent in our community.”

She also recognised the work of Mr Squire and Rob Kelly, who worked tirelessly to organise the event.

“I’ve got nothing else to say except thank you. I’m lucky to be part of it,” Ms Ewart-Kennedy said.

The major sponsor for the event was Specsavers, Shepparton.

Retail director Fiona Jackson said the business had been lucky to be a major sponsor for several years.

“It is a great way for us to give back to our local community,” she said.

Among the speakers was GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp.

Recipient: GV Health executive officer Matt Sharp speaking at the event and thanking all who donated towards the scholarships. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mr Sharp said the charity event was “really important” as it raised money towards postgraduate scholarships, which allowed the hospital’s employees to work in speciality areas such as intensive care or the Emergency Department.

“Since we started putting money towards the scholarships, including today, $100,000 has gone towards furthering education for our staff,” Mr Sharp said.

“So it’s terrific.

“It means a lot to us, and I look forward to seeing you again next year”.

Throughout the event, speeches were given by the major sponsors and members of the Rotary Club; however, the main speaker was David Rhys-Jones.

Telling a few stories: Former AFL footballer David Rhys-Jones was the guest speaker at Friday’s event. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mr Rhys-Jones is a former AFL player who played for South Melbourne, which became the Sydney Swans, before joining Carlton.

“I’m here to chat about footy in the old days and have a bit of fun really and tell a few stories about the past,” he said.

Mr Rhys-Jones rarely gives talks similar to the one he gave at the charity event, but he felt it was an excellent opportunity to get away and support a good cause.