Golfing win

THE Harry & Peggy Maddicks Golf Day, held on April 14, raised just under $14,000 for medical equipment and facility upgrades at Daylesford Health.

Central Highlands Rural Health board deputy-chair Kate Redwood spoke to the players, sponsors and guests to thank them for their generosity and to highlight the need for significant upgrades across the ageing Daylesford Health facilities.

“What a wonderful day at the Hepburn Springs Golf Club for a good cause. 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,” Kate said.

Event sponsor Tim Byrne, Harry and Peggy Maddicks’ estate executor, said he knew his friend Harry “would be so happy that his and his sister Peggy’s legacy live on. We need to keep supporting the rural hospital; it’s essential.”

The Maddicks family estate has been supporting the Daylesford Hospital since 1999, thanks to Mr Byrne, who sponsored the event in their honour, bringing the total giving to $278,000.

Hepburn Shire councillor Lesley Hewitt and the late William Stanbridge (MLC), Hans Gunter Brachmann and Ernest Zelman were also honoured at the event for their individual contributions to the health service since it opened in 1862.

The family of Ernest Zelman, who led 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 Hewitt 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.”

Words & image: Contributed