THE not so Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Donald Trump, Jaquie Lambie and The Wildings descended on the Moree Golf Course for the NAB AGribusiness and ADAMA Charity Golf Day, Wednesday June 15.
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Thirty six teams signed up for the fiercely contested fancy- dress day of golfing with prizes and bragging rights on offer.
The real life celebrities on the day were cricketers Peter Taylor, Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes, Mark joking he makes the pilgrimage each year to the Moree Golf Day to play with his “father” Peter.“I come out here because it’s a good fun day, I am a country lad at heart I suppose,” Mark Taylor said.
“Apart from Peter Taylor who I played cricket with for quite a number of years I have now made quite a few friends out here.”
Mark was purchased by local cotton farmer Dick Estens, who insists Taylor was worth the money.
”He’s rescued us a few times,” Dick said.
The cricketing celebrities were joined by Moree golfing professional Matthew McGuire, tennis legend John Fitzgerald along with Rugby royalty Greg Cornelson and FOX Sports commentator Greg Clark. Each of the celebrities were auctioned off to the golfing teams for them to do with what they wish, raising $40,500 for Variety before they have even teed off.
After spending a lot of time in children's hospitals I always felt that if I ever got through the tunnel that I wanted to do something to help other families.
- Lee Estens
Event organiser Lee Estens' experience with children's hospitals is a personal one, having had a son who fell ill with Leukemia age five and half.That time spent in hospitals inspiring her now 16 year involvement with Variety the Children’s Charity, for whom she has helped to raise over $1,000, 000. As well as the annual golf day, for the past 13 years Mrs Estens has taken part in the annual Variety Bash, a charity motoring event which raises money for children with special needs.
“After spending a lot of time in children's hospitals I always felt that if I ever got through the tunnel that I wanted to do something to help other families,” Lee said.
While some funds are directed to the work Variety does elsewhere in the state a majority has been made its way into the Moree local hospital to purchase items such as a the humidicrib, ventilators for babies, heart monitors as well as a Sunshine Coach and a liberty swing for wheelchair users in the local park.A purpose built children’s area in Moree Hospital Emergency Is also thanks to Mrs Estens’ fundraising efforts and dedication.
“Thank you to all the sponsors, celebrities, supporters and volunteers without you none of this would be possible,” Mrs Estens said. If anybody was wondering where the lawyers, agronomists, bankers and businessmen were on Wednesday they were probably making their way around the spectacular Moree Golf Course, all in the name of a brilliant cause.
