HMAS Albatross’ charity golf day delivered a day of networking, respite and fundraising for a good cause.
A field of 216 ADF personnel, emergency service members and four Defence industry partners took part in the annual event at the Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club, NSW.
Since its inception in 2002, the event has helped generate more than $76,000 for the Shoalhaven District Hospital Children’s Ward.
This year, 54 teams entered the tournament, raising another $11,207.45, which will be used to purchase much-needed hardware for babies in need of respiratory assistance in their first few weeks of life.
Warrant Officer Trevor Johnstone, an aviation technician from Albatross’ 822X Squadron, holds the charity close to his heart.
“As part of the organising committee for the last two decades, the golf day holds personal significance as both of my sons were born in the Shoalhaven Hospital Children’s ward,” Warrant Officer Johnstone said.
“In fact, most personnel involved in this event know of someone who has been touched by illness and needed hospital support, thus this is the perfect opportunity for the ADF to give something back to our community.
“This event also helps with building closer relationships with our industry partners, offering an opportunity for a mental health recharge and to bring our teams together.”
Despite the stiff competition on the course, Leading Seaman Kynan Taylor, Able Seaman Lachlan Brooks, Able Seaman Mitchell Cornell and Able Seaman Andrew McMullen came out on top with a score of two under par 69 (52 3/8 nett).
With a score of 10 under par 61, Daniel Jachimovich, Peter Button, Warrant Officer Trevor Johnstone and Chief Petty Officer Greg Stephenson took home the scratch plate.
The Training Authority – Aviation team won the interdepartmental shield with a score of one under par 70 (55 3/4), thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Commander Jason Rombouts, Chief Petty Officer Ashley Hoogwerf, Petty Officer Gregory Wallace and Leading Seaman Tanae Drummond.
The corporate cup competition, competed for by all industry teams, was taken out by Sikorsky employees Leigh Quinn, Paul Phillips, Paul Coughlan and Amanda Carney with a score of nine under par 62 (52 3/4).
Chief Petty Officer Michael Nowill said it was an opportunity to participate in a friendly competition with plenty of banter, while raising money for the children’s ward in the region’s local hospital.
“This year’s event had an impressive number of participants with some excellent skills on display. Whilst others, such as myself, managed to fumble ourselves through to enjoy the pizza at the end,” he said.
The cheque will be presented to the Shoalhaven District Hospital Children’s Ward by Commanding Officer Albatross Captain Scott Palmer.
