Rotary Club raises thousands in support of nursing scholarships

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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.