Day on the greens for good cause

REGISTRATIONS are now open for the 11th edition of the Going for Gold Charity Golf Day, which is being held at Ballarat Golf Club on Friday 16 October.

Greg Walsh established the day in 2016 after the loss of family, friends and colleagues to suicide.

In the past decade the event has raised awareness and funds to support mental health education with a focus on men’s wellbeing.

Walsh is aiming to have a field of 120 golfers.

Players from areas as far as the Wimmera, Geelong and Melbourne are expected to fill the fairways.

Walsh said the day aimed to break down the stigma attached to mental health “in a soft voice within our community”.

“Golf’s a good way of doing it because there’s a lot of people at different ages for a start,” he said.

“Different parts of our community, different working environments. We can do our sell and I’m sure it goes out.

“One hundred and twenty players talking… That’s our way of getting our message out.”

Golfers can register as individuals or teams of four. A barbecue lunch will be served before tee off.

The event will support the James Petrie Fund that is managed by the Ballarat Foundation.

The fund was created in memory of local teacher and sportsman James Petrie and provides grants for mental health response projects and youth support.

For more information or to register visit ballaratfoundation.org.au/events/40/charity-golf-day-26

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.