There's a new Aussie in our team - and we couldn't be happier about it!

A huge congratulations to our restaurant manager Evangeline Demate - or Vhanj as she's known to us all – on becoming an Australian citizen this week.

Vhanj, who's been at the golf club for almost two years, has been a resident for more than six years after leaving her native Philippines.

And she's pretty excited about her new passport.

"It's actually amazing - the ceremony was pretty emotional," she said.

"I'm very proudly an Aussie and I'm really grateful to be living here.

"It also means I'm more qualified now to talk about things like parmas and pavlovas," she joked.

So when you see Vhanj around the clubhouse, be sure to congratulate her on the big life step.

Congrats, Vhanj, we're all very proud of you!

For the third successive year, the Portarlington Golf Club has given a grant from its Community Contributions Fund to Food Assist 3223, a charity food bank on which so many in our region have, sadly, come to depend. We asked our very own GRACE BOLAND to witness the inspiring volunteers who run the centre. Here is her story …

Would you believe it if I told you that there are almost 1000 people in the 3223 region who need help feeding themselves and their families every single week?

I’ve lived in 3223 for the past five years and, until recently, I had no idea there was an organisation quietly supporting so many through food relief.

To discover this – and to realise how many of us remain unaware – was nothing short of astonishing.

It’s frightening to think that in a community as close-knit as ours, so many are struggling in silence.

And it’s precisely why the Portarlington Golf Club’s recent grant of $5000 through its Community Contributions Fund is so critical.

Seeing first-hand the impact of Food Assist 3223 – its volunteers and their tireless efforts – was truly eye-opening.

Many of us simply assume that access to food is a given – we take it completely for granted.

The volunteers at Food Assist 3223’s new centre are tireless in their efforts to help the community.

The 2025 Community Bank Bellarine Carnival of Golf has come to an end.

More than 700 players from in excess of 30 clubs made the week an outstanding success.

"We'd like to thank everyone for their attendance and contributions," chief executive Michael Phillips said.

"We also offer a huge thanks to our friends and partners at the Community Bank Bellarine for their sponsorship of the Carnival, but generally just being a great supporter of our town and region.

"It obviously wasn't the greatest of weeks in terms of the weather, but we received pleny of compliments from our members and all the visitors about the superb condition of the course - so a huge thanks to superintendent Steve Burchett and his team, as well."

There were some amazing scores through the week - and some cool photos to capture it all, too; no to mention Julie Walker and Don English cleaning up in our week-long major raffles, too.

See below for all the results and a photo gallery, or check our social media feeds for more action.

Thanks again and we'll see you again next year!

• Saturday - Men's Stroke Championship - Results - Over 55 Results
• Sunday - Mixed American Foursomes - Results
• Tuesday - Men's & Women's 4-Person Ambrose - Men's Results - Women's Results
• Wednesday - Irish 4BBB Stableford - Results
• Thursday - 4-Person Gentsomes - Results
• Friday - Men's & Women's 2-Person Ambrose - Men's Results - Women's Results

Local footy and netball clubs are the lifeblood of their towns – and the Portarlington Demons are no exception in the 3223 postcode.

So it’s an absolute boon for the entire northern Bellarine community that the footy club is finally becoming “whole” with the addition of its women’s division for the 2026 season and beyond.

The Portarlington Golf Club and the PFNC are already great partners in several aspects, so it’s an almost natural extension that the golf club’s Community Contribution Fund (CCF) will help kickstart this female footy revolution.

“We are absolutely thrilled to provide $5360 to the Demons to help women’s footy get off the ground locally,” golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said.

“The money will go towards the purchase of specific club apparel and other football equipment required immediately, but we feel like it’s an investment in something that will be absolutely brilliant for the entire community forever more.

“I think everyone around town knows the club has really taken some big steps forward in the past couple of years – and this new aspect is something I’m certain we’ll all look back on in the future as a key moment in the club’s history, so we’re rapt to be a small part of it.”

PFNC president Steve Cogger was extremely grateful to have received the CCF grant, noting it had come at a perfect time.

“We already are working hand in hand with the golf club in different areas, so for Michael and his team to step up again for us at a watershed moment in our history means a great deal,” Cogger said.

Sarah Perrott will drive the new female Demons as coach next season.

Roll out the red carpet, one of Portarlington’s most fun evenings is coming up!

The fourth annual Spring Fashion Fundraiser will be held at the Portarlington Golf Club on Thursday, September 25, the evening before the AFL Grand Final public holiday.

Again hosted by Stockdale & Leggo Bellarine manager Sonja Di Pietro, the event will showcase the spring and summer wares of five local fashion houses - Just Next Door, Kouture By The Sea, Montana's Fashion, Duck's Nuts and HIVE.

Tickets include a complimentary drink on arrival, canapes and entry to fabulous raffles, with all profits donated to The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre.

“It’s always a great night out – especially for all the girls who love to get an early look at the next season’s fashion,” Sonja said.

“And it’s particularly important to showcase all our local fashion traders whenever we get the chance.”

Book your tickets at www.trybooking.com.au or via the information on the attached poster.

Or contact Sonja directly at Stockdale & Leggo Bellarine on Newcombe Street.

Two great things in our summers are often at odds with each other – the love of outdoor activities and the need for shade to enjoy them safely.
But with the aid of the Portarlington Golf Club, two local organisations are trying for the best of both worlds.

The club’s Community Contributions Fund (CCF) has granted a total of $3750 to two organisations that will implement SunSmart initiatives for their members and visitors.
For the Bellarine Agricultural Society (BAS), a marquee will mean a haven for those trying to cool down while trying to juggle all the action of the annual show at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve on the March long weekend.

For the Wallington Cricket Club, it’s another huge step forward in catering to the ever-expanding needs of their burgeoning women’s and junior divisions.
Either way, it’s about shade.

“This year at the Show it got really hot and we had sunscreen available but only in the office, so what we wanted to do was set up dedicated SunSmart bases around the show so people can find them easily and stay safe,” said BAS president Sue Cairns, who said she’d use the Aussie Open tennis as her inspiration.
“They have those cooling stations around the (Rod Laver Arena) grounds, so we’re going to now be able to have a similar dedicated station, which we’ll put near the front entrance.

“And we’ll put it near a water station and have them together because community safety is obviously paramount. We put a lot of planning into things and we determined that was an area we were lacking in because it’s often really hot at that time of year.

“So we really want to send a big `thanks’ to the golf club – it does so much for the community with raffles and grants and without it we wouldn’t be able to do half the things we do for the show and everyone who comes along.”

Wallington CC received a $3500 grant from the golf club two years ago – for the provision of coaching and equipment to its then fledgling women’s division - and has clearly put it to good use.

President Marc Occhipinti said the club had, in that short time, expanded to having three women’s teams, with no fewer than 45 women and girls having played last summer.

“It has been amazing to see the club take off like that with all the inclusive work that’s such an important part of our club and the community overall,” Occhipinti said.
“So we need to keep up with the provision of facilities and this grant will enable us to do something very important at our second ground that we now use.”

The booming club not only uses its traditional Wallington Reserve base, but now uses the Devlins Road Recreation Reserve in nearby Oakdene as a second home, primarily for women’s and junior teams.

“And there’s just not the infrastructure around that ground yet, no trees or anything for shade, so the SunSmart marquee will be critical to keep everyone shaded and safe,” he said.

“We need to have these amenities to keep ensuring that all newcomers to the game have a great and safe experience, so … in turn, giving people the chance to get involved as we have is a benefit for the entire community.

“We’re just exceptionally grateful for all our supporters and we wouldn’t be in this position without the amazing backing of the Port Golf Club.”
In the past six financial years alone, the Portarlington Golf Club has given charitable support of more than $250,000.

In that time, the CCF component has become the biggest single source of community initiatives with almost $65,000 in such grants alone.

The CCF was established to support not-for-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community.

Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said there had again been great interest in the CCF process, with a total of $14,110 to be distributed, well in excess of the project’s originally advertised $12,000 scope.

“These donations have become incredibly important within our community, so we’re happy to extend again this year for projects such as these that are incredibly worthy,” Phillips said.

“The principal is to help those who are not only helping their club or organisation, but also have a communal focus with their projects, so these make perfect sense.”

Port GC admin manager Jackie Durbidge hands over the CCF cheque to Sue Cairns, of the Bellarine Agricultural Society.

The 2025 Community Bank Bellarine Carnival of Golf is raring to go!

The fields have been set for the seven events that comprise the carnival, with Saturday, Tuesday PM, Thursday and Friday events fully subscribed.

There are a handful of spots remaining in the other fields – Sunday’s Mixed American Foursomes, Tuesday AM’s Ambrose and Wednesday’s Irish Fourball – but you’ll have to contact the pro shop directly with only limited numbers now available.

Click HERE to see the up-to-date list of tee times for each event.

The Portarlington Golf Club has given away or helped raise more than $200,000 in the financial year just finished.

The club directly donated $98,092 to members, charities, sporting clubs and community organisations on the North Bellarine.

It also helped similar groups raise - or save – a total of $105,367 by providing facilities, waiving fees or providing the tools and audiences to bring their own charitable initiatives to life.

“For example, many know of the popularity of our member draws and spinning wheel giveaways on Friday nights,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.

“But on that same night each week, we’ve managed to help our Community Raffle partners raise what we think is an extraordinary $34,995 with the help of our friends at Panorama.

“It’s groups like the CFA, SES, Food Assist 3223 and so many more that the club - along with the generosity of our members and guests - has really been able to provide for that we hadn’t previously been able to.”

“We’ve done little things like donate the use and staffing of our buses to the Port Primary School, right up to the big things like being the key backer of the Portarlington Mussel Festival that brings thousands of visitors to town each January.”

The club has been the backbone of many large-scale charity golf days, most notably the E.J. Whitten Foundation, Feed Me Bellarine and the Longest Day in Golf, which alone raised a spectacular $15,000 for the Cancer Council.

And the club has just finalised this year’s Community Contribution Fund grants that will total more than $14,000 to assist various community projects, including backing the fledgling Portarlington women’s football teams.

“We’re rapt to be heavily involved with some of these bigger projects, but we’re equally happy to contribute to a whole series of other clubs and events, such as the Celtic Festival, the North Bellarine Film Festival and the Bellarine Agricultural Show,” Phillips said.

“And we’re delighted, with the support of Stockdale & Leggo, to be a key player in the only catwalk fashion show in Portarlington that not only highlights our local fashion houses, but has been a valuable contributor towards its goal of fighting the scourge of domestic violence against women.

“We like to feel we’re engaged with our community and I hope that comes across, not only in these finances, but in terms of our approachability as a supporter or host of so many events.”

It’s not often that speeches move those at tournament golf days.

But such was the love in the View Room on Friday that the June Gillivour Salver and the inaugural Mary Menzel Open will be fondly remembered by all in attendance.

Club captain Jenny Edmanson gave the background of the two late Portarlington players for whom the events were named, leaving no one in the room in any doubt as to the importance of their respective contributions.

But in successive acceptance speeches, it was clear that the mood was of distinct reverence as glowing and articulate words bound the audience that had gathered from around the SWGA region.

And as it turned out, it was a day on which the local women stood tallest.

Meg Pratt confessed she thought the Gillivour team selectors were trying to reach her partner Michelle when they made contact via email about representing Port.

And even when she came in with her gross score of 86, Meg didn’t factor herself into the speeches, particularly given the course’s spectacular condition and benign weather.

But “lo and behold, here I am”, Meg joked after getting her hands on not only the Mary Menzel Open trophy, but playing the lead role in Port’s Gillivour Salver triumph.

Meg was actually 10 over par for her first nine, having begun on the 10^th tee.

“There were probably four holes where I lipped out on the back nine and you sort of look at it and you think, `It's not my day’,” she said.

“I somehow started to play all right on the front nine and was really enjoying my round talking with Ange (Foott), Lyn (Moore of Torquay) and Fiona (Rogers of Clifton Springs) and relaxed a bit and really just pulled it out of my bottom,” Meg joked.

“I made lots of steady pars … but had no idea that it would win the day. Like absolutely no idea at all.”

And that was evidenced when Meg told her Gillivour teammates Kristine Geary and Judy Webber that she hadn’t done enough to help them over the line.

“We sort of compared notes after the round and none of us were too confident, didn’t really give ourselves any hope … in the perfect conditions.

“But Kris just came up and she said, "Don't you ever tell me that you didn't play well again!’ and it was so funny.

“Yeah, we were all shocked and very excited. They are both delighted as well, which is great.”

Meg reiterated the importance of the trophies on to which her name will now be etched, particularly playing for the Mary Menzel silverware for the first time after her husband, Dieter, generously sponsored the day.

“It's an honour. It really is. I didn't know Mary, but Lou (Blomley) speaks so highly of her,” Meg said of Mary, who passed away in 2022.

“Everybody that you talk to tells you how wonderful a lady she was, not only personally, but also for the club and how much she did for the club.

“And unfortunately she was sick when we first joined, so we didn't get to get to meet her and I'm really sad about that.

“But having a trophy named after her, just perpetuates her memory and things like that, which is just lovely. And I really am delighted to have won it.”

Meg’s 35 stableford points combined with Judy’s 30 and Kris’s 29 gave Portarlington a total of 94, two clear of the Sands’ team of Donna Reilly, Di Seehusen and Lisa Reade, with East Geelong third on 91 courtesy of Sue Pearce, Jen Toner and Leanne McIntyre.

In the other individual events, Portarlington’s Lynne Kirby won the A Grade nett event on 75, her clubmate Donna Utt won B Grade on 39 stableford points and Seehusen won C Grade on 34 points.

 

• June Gillivour Silver Salver Results
• Mary Menzel Womens Open Results

Port’s Kris Geary, Meg Pratt and Judy Webber salute in the June Gillivour Salver.

The women of the Portarlington Golf Club – and their visitors – have given enormous support in more ways than one to the Breast Cancer Trials.

Sporting genuinely spectacular bespoke and bejazzled bras – on players, buggies and even carts - the 76 golfers raised an extraordinary $1745 for the cause.

“We’re super proud to do that, especially in a genuinely fun atmosphere to help such an important cause,” club spokeswoman Angela Royal said.
“The bras were absolutely amazing and to have everyone in the spirit, it was just brilliant.”
Many among the field donated money to buy bras that were meticulously prepared by Fiona Newman and Sue Holland, with the help of Deb Batten and Sue O’Connor.
And clad in the day’s pink and with many in their fancy under-turned-overgarments, there was a break in the post-round revelry for a group picture.
“You can see in Kaelyn’s photo just how much everyone got into the day,” said Angela, decked out in her deluxe “Steele Sidebottom” brassiere.

“Julie Walker helped a lot, Angela Foott was amazing as always and the thing about it was, as a guest day, we even had visitors pitching in to help and almost all of them commented about the atmosphere of the event.”

The Breast Cancer Trials is a group of world-leading breast cancer doctors and researchers in Australia and New Zealand who have committed to finding better treatments and prevention for people affected by breast cancer through clinical trials research.

“It’s obviously a cause that impacts a lot of people – we had several people share their stories – so we’re very glad to be able to help Breast Cancer Trials in our own small way," Royal said.

Two Medway girls lit up Portarlington Golf Club today as some of the best talent in Australia converged for the club’s annual Junior Open.

Georgia Schwartz (+2) carded a spectacular round of one-under 73 to win the gross prize, while clubmate Amelia Wearne (3) fired a one-over 75 to win the nett prize with 72.

And then no fewer than six boys shot rounds of 76, leaving an array of countbacks to determine graded prize winners.

Eventually, East Geelong’s Abel Foley was declared the A grade gross winner from his brother, Ned.

Event spokeswoman Angela Foott said the talent on display in the 56-strong field was exceptional.

“You can see by just those scores what amazing depth and talent we have, so to have them all here was a real boon for the club,” Foott said.

“We had representatives from 26 clubs including players from South Australia, Queensland and all around Victoria and they all said how well the course was prepared and how well it suited junior tournaments.

“We’re really excited that the tournament has become so widely popular since it was reinstated on our calendar only recently – it’s a good sign for junior golf in our area.”

Click Here for the Full Results

Champions Abel Foley and Georgia Schwartz were sensational.

Terry Pilkadaris was the last man standing on a day of record-breaking golf at the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am at Portarlington on Tuesday.

The Victorian, once ranked 153^rd in the world after great success on the Asian Tour, took some great advice from the Port members in his group and peeled off a memorable five-under-par 67.

That score proved good enough when a late Peter Lonard charge came to a cruel end with a bogey on the 18^th  hole to leave him at 68.

The jetlagged but ultra-consistent Richard Green signed for a bogey-free 69 to share third with the affable Tim Elliott, whose morning round was the polar opposite with seven birdies and four bogeys.

But remarkably, in terms of highlights, they were all upstaged not once, but twice on a day of tremendous action and atmosphere around the “Sheen Alley” where a boisterous, good-natured crowd had settled.

Firstly, Curlewis youngster Ben Bowers was nothing short of spectacular in firing an amateur course record of eight-under-par 64 to win the amateur division with 41 stableford points off his +3 handicap.

Not only did the svelte teenager put a first course record on his resume, he did it in the same group as Green, toppling one of the world’s great senior golfers by five strokes.

“It was a lot of fun … great to play with Greeny, Hodgey (Green’s caddie and Clifton Springs resident Phil Hodge) and Dave (Curlewis amateur David Walder) – we actually had a few people watching us, too,” Bowers beamed.

“I made a couple of mistakes, but yeah, made a few nice shots, too,” he said with great understatement after his round of 10 birdies that left many in the galleries pondering his bright future.

But then even Bowers was undone in the highlights department when the brilliant David McKenzie fired a spectacular albatross on the par-4 13^th hole, right in front of the bulk of the gallery.

It was the eighth career “ace” for McKenzie, who had no idea his ball had gone in because his tee shot was obscured by a bunker at the front of the green.

“But I’ve never had a “3-under” one before, I‘ll take that every time!” he beamed.

“That’s unbelievable,” McKenzie said as he took the plaudits while declining a “shooey” celebration that was offered.

He was later presented with an honorary Portarlington Golf Club membership for his history-making shot.

But none of the drama, including a fine 39-point round from Port’s Jackie Rowe to win the women’s amateur division, took the gloss of Pilkadaris’ fine round.

The jovial Melburnian played with three great characters among the Port membership and used his Greek heritage to form a team with the club’s own Yani Lathouris against Andrew Wootten and Matt Marles.

Despite some great play from the “Aussie” team, the “Greek” connection won the day with Pilkadaris using advice from his new mates to full advantage after starting on the 15^th tee.

“They told me if I could start reasonably well that I could really cash in after we got around to the sixth and really score from there around to the 13^th,” the 51-year-old said.

“So I managed a few pars early, hit a really good one in close on the second hole and the round just took off a bit once we got around to the sixth.”

Pilkadaris, fresh off a win at the Moama Masters last week, proceeded to birdie holes 6, 8, 9, and 11 to make his move.

“I actually thought I might have stuffed it up when I didn’t get another on the 13^th, but it worked out for me in the end,” he said.

“But some pretty good advice from the boys and we had a heap of fun out there today.

“It was an amazing atmosphere around the course and everything out there was just in such amazing condition, it was a really great day.”

Click Here for the Full Results

He’s done a lot of things in golf, David McKenzie, but never an albatross.

That was until today at Portarlington when the Victorian drilled a driver 241m for the almost mythical ace on a par four during the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am.

McKenzie’s drive just carried the front bunker and scurried up the green before hitting and dropping for his first career albatross.

But from the tee, with the bunker obscuring his view, the 57-year-old thought it had landed in the sand when a puff of sand arose as his ball landed.

It wasn’t until the crowd erupted as he approached the green – and he was urged to do a “shooey” in celebration – that he realised the magic that had unfolded.

“There’s no way I’m doing a shooey,” McKenzie said as he guzzled a drink in a far more customary manner to celebrate.

“That’s unbelievable … and turns a terrible day into a much better one.

“I hit a driver because I was a bit cranky so that’s why I wasn’t hitting 3-wood, but I was sure it went into the bunker.

“I saw sand come up and (thought nothing of it). That’s crazy."

McKenzie, the reigning NSW Senior Open champion, estimated that it was his eighth hole-in-one.

“But I’ve never had a “3-under” one before, I‘ll take that every time!” he beamed.

"What a day - I’m loving it!"

McKenzie tipped a casual five points into his team’s stableford coffers and also won 20 points for the bullseye-style competition on offer for the second shot on that hole in one of the pro-am’s separate competitions.

He was later presented with an honorary Portarlington Golf Club membership for his history-making shot.

He’s won on the US tour, he’s won more than a handful of Australian Open, PGA and Masters crowns – and now he’s won a Portarlington Skins Game.
Peter Lonard nipped a sand wedge on the shootout decider on Monday night to win $3500, eclipsing David McKenzie ($500) and skinless pros Andre Stolz, Matt Milne and Stacey Peters.

“Oh it’s one of the highlights, for sure,” Lonard joked on the eve of the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am.

“Nah, it was just good fun out there – a great night and great to see so many people out watching.”

Indeed, hundreds of visitors flocked to watch the shootout featuring the three Legends Tour players, plus club pro Milne and former club champ turned Vic Open hero Peters.
And they stayed for some great fun, music, food and ambience after the event with a hole-in-one contest raising more than $230 for Portarlington charity group Food Assist 3223.

“It was so good to see such a great turnout from the community and great to see the support for a relatively new event from our members and visitors,” club CEO Michael Phillips said.

“A big thanks to everyone who made such a great atmosphere around the club and to all five pros who brought it to life in such great spirit.”

It started in 2022 as something “quirky and different” for a good cause.

But in just its third year, the Spring Fashion Fundraiser has already become a fixture on the Portarlington social calendar.

Event creator and host Sonja Di Pietro proudly organised the largest show to date recently with five local fashion houses showing their wares to a full house at the Portarlington Golf Club.

Models representing Just Next Door, Kouture By the Sea, Montana’s, Hive and The Ducks Nuts showcased the upcoming summer trends on the red-carpet runway.

And with lovely canapes and a welcome drink provided by presenting sponsor Stockdale & Leggo, the crowd was well pleased with a fabulous evening’s entertainment.

“It was a terrific night and the feedback from everyone was extremely positive,” Sonja said.

“We are all so lucky to live and work in such an amazing, supportive community.”

The reasons – aside from fashion – that brought the evening to life are many, but include Sonja’s desire to give the women of the Portarlington region their own “night out”.

And as the name suggests, there’s always a fundraising element that makes the function even more important.

“I’m pleased to let you know that we raised $2676 for the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre,” Sonja said.

“It’s incredible that we all get to have a great evening, support the local businesses and make an impact for a really important cause … I couldn’t be happier with how it has been received.”

Skins games always bring out great golfing rivalries – and Monday’s at Portarlington Golf Club promises to be no exception.

Not only will the club’s Skins Game feature three legends of Australian golf, but two “homegrown” heroes battling it out for the cash.

Peter Lonard, Andre Stolz and David McKenzie are all set for the six-hole showdown on modified holes around the Port clubhouse, using it also as practice for the following day’s Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am.

But joining the fiveball will be resident Port professional Matt Milne and former Vic Open winner Stacey Peters – a former women’s club champion at Port.

“I can’t wait to take on the boys,” said Peters, the club’s 2005 champion as a 19-year-old amateur before winning the Vic Open in 2013 at nearby 13^th Beach.

“I’ve heard a sneaky rumour that a few of the girls at Portarlington are going to come out and get behind me, so I hope I can put on a bit of a show for them and pinch a couple of dollars from the boys’ pockets.”

Milne has twice previously played the Skins Game – which features mounting jackpots until holes are won – but is yet to put his paws on any cash.

“I need to sort this out, the grief factor is fairly high,” Milne joked.

“The boys are always in good form and now I’ll probably lose the hometown fans to Stace, so I’m up against it already.”

The Skins Game starts about 4.30pm and is the centrepiece of an afternoon of fun with live music, food vans and other great entertainment in a village near the first tee.

There will also be an amateurs’ hole-in-one competition with a Portarlington Golf Club membership on offer for the first ace.

One of the hottest names in world Legends golf is coming to Portarlington this month.
Former Australian Masters champion Richard Green has committed to play in the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am to be held at the club on Tuesday, February 25.

Green splits his time between the Bellarine Peninsula and the USA where he last year finished a close-up third on the PGA Champions Tour money list behind Steve Alker and the legendary Ernie Els.

But he infrequently plays in Australia given his commitments in chasing the Charles Schwab Cup in the United States.

"It's a great coup to have Richard come and play at Port," event co-organiser Mark Hayes said.

"We're lucky our pro-am fits perfectly in a window between Champions Tour events and Green wants to keep his tournament form rolling - plus he really likes Port as a course, so it's a win for all of us."

Green, 53, remarkably made more than $US2.1million in the US last year. He made the cut in all 26 tournaments he played and was, incredibly, five times a runner-up with another five top-10 finishes.

"Without a victory, that was one of the best seasons on that tour in years," Hayes said.

Green will join a star-studded field at Portarlington including US Tour winners Andre Stolz and Peter Lonard, recently crowned NSW Senior Open champ David McKenzie and former Vic Open champs Scott Laycock and Mike Clayton.

Our famous Carnival of Golf had a few tweaks this year, but it has gone off with rave reviews.

Seven great events over seven fun days, with an emphasis on team events - a decision borne out by outstanding patronage with sold-out fields every day bar Wednesday.

To see photos from throughout the 2024 Carnival of Golf, click HERE 

And when you consider the high winds we endured at times, it was a tremendous effort by all to show up and not only get it around, but also turn in some fine scores, too!

Attached are the results for all events, with huge thanks to all in our pro shop for co-ordinating their smooth and timely production each day.

A shout, also, to captain Jenny Edmanson and her helpers for ensuring everything ran so smoothly during the week. Plus Kaelyn and the functions team and Richard and his kitchen team for bowling up great presentation events.

And last but defintely not least, a big thanks to all our visitors for the week - it doesn't run without you!

Thanks for a great week and we'll see you again next year.

RESULTS

• Saturday 31st Aug - 18 Hole Mens Stroke Championship RESULTS
• Saturday 31st Aug - 18 Over 55's Championship - RESULTS
• Sunday 1st Sep - Mixed 4BBB Stableford RESULTS
• Tuesday 3rd Sep - Men's & Women's Ambrose RESULTS
• Tuesday 3rd Sep - Men's & Women's Ambrose RESULTS
• Wednesday 4th Sep - Men's & Women's Single Stableford RESULTS
• Thursday 5th Sep - Men's & Women's Gentsomes RESULTS 
• Friday 6th Sep - Men's & Women's Ambrose Pairs RESULTS

The Portarlington Golf Club began its Community Raffle series on Friday and Food Assist 3223 was the big winner.

Amazing generosity by patrons of the club resulted in $1480 being raised for the critically important food-based charity that’s vital to so many people in and around Portarlington.

“We were blown away by how generous everyone was and we’re extremely excited to put this money to great use in our community,” Food Assist 3223 president Prue Drever said.

“We’re also very grateful that the Portarlington Golf Club generated and co-ordinated the event on a busy Friday night for the team up there.

“The club has already helped us immensely in the past couple of years, so for Michael (Phillips) and his team to offer even more assistance is just really impressive.”
Drever estimated the money raised would help provide the equivalent of more than 150 meals for those in need.

“We can’t overstate how important that is for the people who visit us weekly. I’m just blown away that people can be so generous.”
Chief executive Phillips said the golf club intends to hold its Community Raffle each Friday evening through until at least the Christmas holidays.

“We have a lot of things happening around the club on Friday night with live music, happy hours and our member draws, but we’ve introduced a spinning wheel and now the Community Raffle to add extra layers,” he said.

“Having so many people here for a variety of reasons is a great way to highlight important groups and clubs, such as Food Assist 3223, to a larger audience.

“We’re delighted that our members and guests were so responsive to such a great cause.”

The golf club’s partnerships with several generous local businesses made the evening possible, with Bellarine Country Butcher, White Fisheries, Zero’s Garage, Cellarbration, PFD and Port Phillip Ferries each donating to provide raffle prizes.

Other groups will share the Friday night stage in coming weeks with those expected to participate including several sporting clubs and the Portarlington Primary School.

There’s scarcely an organisation in Australia that more deserves the community’s help and respect than the Returned & Services League.
So it’s almost with a sense of reverence that the Portarlington Golf Club has extended part of its Community Contribution Fund (CCF) resources to the RSL Portarlington and St Leonards Sub-Branch.

“Every single one of us living in this country with the freedoms we enjoy owes a debt of gratitude to those who serve and who once served in any global theatre of war or peacekeeping duties,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.

“So as part of the club’s CCF, I’m absolutely delighted that we can make a contribution to the critically important and ongoing role the RSL plays on the Bellarine.
“And that sentiment applies not only to veterans, but to all in our community who increasingly find inspiration and solace in its members’ deeds.”
The PGC CCF allocated $2500 to help the restoration of the Portarlington hall’s Pratt Room, primarily used as a bar and meeting room.
The money will help bring the facilities of the old Department of Defence building up to modern standards with new chairs, sound-proofing and upgrades to lighting and ceiling fans.

Sub-Branch president Peter Greaney was delighted with the golf club’s backing, highlighting that while the revamped room will be a boon to veterans, it also will benefit other community groups, too.

If, as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better and pound of cure, Geelong Youth Engagement is weighing in somewhere around 500 tons.
The crew at GYE run four mentor-based youth programs designed to encourage engagement with education, employment and youth, build resilience and increase self-belief and confidence.
They run four programs throughout the Geelong and Bellarine regions involving more than 20 secondary schools.
Its flagship program remains the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program, revered by all involved and now in its 12th year.
Of its other programs, one focused on road safety – called You Just Never Know (YJNK) – has grown quickly and this year will reach approximately 2400 Year 11 students who are at or near the process of learning to drive.
The key to the success of YJNK is in its “lecturers”, presenters from Barwon Health, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and the Justice Department who combine for presentations of about 100 minutes.
And their secret to keeping the attention of an audience that could potentially lack focus is “keeping it real”.
The students hear from the people who are first on the scene of an accident and/or dealing with its aftermath.
 GYE program co-ordinator Kelly Taylor says it’s a great way for the students to learn of the dangers of speeding, drink or drug-driving and use of mobile phones while in the car.
And to help this program reach as many of our region’s youth as possible, the Portarlington Golf Club is delighted to announce it has contributed $5000 to GYE through its Community Contributions Fund (CCF).
“We’re so grateful to all at the golf club who have made this possible – it really helps us get our message across to the largest audience possible,” Taylor said.
“The funding (essentially to cover facility hire and labour costs of facility staff for two days) will mean we can essentially offer the program to all those schools for free, so the kids have no barrier to their attendance. It makes a huge difference.
“In targeting students in Year 11, it’s important that they start driving with good habits in their mind and this program really makes them think – not only about driving itself, but also what behaviour to be aware of at parties or concerts when others offer them a ride in their car, too.”
Taylor said the feedback from previous editions of the program had been “very positive”.
“But they tend to find it quite confronting because it’s very realistic and they are now seeing things through the eyes of those in emergency services and what they see at the site of an accident,” she said.
“Another thing that the kids take from this … and all of our programs is that they learn that there is a network of people around them to support them when they need to know something.
“All the programs help into the future by giving a more rounded knowledge of day-to-day life, but one of the important things we’ve found that helps the youth out is that they can become part of a network of friends and contacts that they didn’t previously have.”
Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said the decision to exercise the CCF funding for GYE’s road safety program was comparatively easy.
“Sadly, the statistics just show that kids are far more likely to be in an accident in the early part of their time behind the wheel,” he said.
“And doubly so for us because while only 24 per cent of Victorians live outside Melbourne, regional accidents account for more than half of the state’s road fatalities.
“So if we can help the next generation of drivers and save just one life, it will be an incredible investment.
“We really commend the GYE team on the work they are doing – not only in making our roads safer, but in helping fill our community with engaged youngsters who want to do the right thing by everyone.”
In the past five financial years alone, the Portarlington Golf Club has given charitable support of more than $150,000.
In that time, the CCF component has become the biggest single source of community initiatives with almost $50,000 in such grants alone.
The CCF was established to support not-for-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community.
This year, highlighting just how much the CCF means to these institutions, the club received 18 grant applications totalling in excess of $122,000.
The Geelong Youth Engagement grant is one of four successful applications, with a total of $15,000 given back to the community, extended from the originally advertised scope of $12,000.
“We really think these donations have become incredibly important within our community, so we’re happy to extend this year because all the applicants were incredibly worthy,” Phillips said.

Many people know the Lifeline phone number, 13 11 14.

It’s commonly on the end of all manner of media reports that deal with tragedies, particularly those with an element of self-harm.

Sadly, though, it’s not the number that those who work at Lifeline deal with every day.

The main number on their books is one million, because amazingly - for those who aren’t routinely affected by such issues – that’s the number of Aussies who reach out to this wonderful service each year.

That’s one Australian in crisis every 30 seconds, around the clock, around the calendar.

In the Geelong region, the numbers are just as daunting.

More than 56 people on average every day – for a staggering average of 19 minutes for each call – use Lifeline.

Lifeline’s goal is to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moment alone.

It provides the crucial moments of connection that bring hope and save lives, working towards the goal of an Australia free of suicide.

So the impact of its services is immeasurable, given how many lives it literally saves.

Lifeline Geelong supports the local community through accessible crisis support, education, community capacity building and referral services.

On the front line of this effort are trained volunteer “crisis supporters”, the unsung heroes who are so desperately needed and who will benefit directly from the Community Contributions Fund granted by the Portarlington Golf Club.

“This is a donation that the club makes with mixed emotions,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.

“It’s fantastic that we can provide $5000 to Lifeline to help make a difference in its training and provision of those critical services.

“But it’s incredibly sad that it’s so desperately needed and the number of those who need and use Lifeline services is a stark reminder for us all of the problems that everyday Aussies can and do endure.”

Lifeline’s general manager – services, Susan King, said the grant would further her organisation’s commitment to supporting the “invaluable work of our volunteer crisis supporters”.

“By prioritising their wellbeing, we not only support our volunteers but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our services, enabling us to respond to more calls and ultimately save more lives,” she said.

“These dedicated individuals are on the front lines, answering calls from community members facing some of life's most challenging moments, including those thinking about suicide or dealing with issues like financial stress, domestic violence, or the aftermath of natural disasters.

“The support of Portarlington Golf Club and the Bellarine community ensures we can provide vital psychological safety programs for our volunteers, helping them manage the distressing and potentially traumatic material they encounter.

“This grant will directly benefit three of our local crisis supporters, who collectively have the potential to answer around 700 calls each year.

“With the rising demand for crisis support, bolstered by factors such as global and national events and economic pressures, it’s more crucial than ever to have a strong, supported volunteer base.”

King thanked the golf club and its members, saying the funding’s impact would resonate deeply through the entire Bellarine community, “contributing to a more resilient and supportive network for all”.

“Thank you for helping Lifeline make a difference. Together, we are stronger and better equipped to support those in crisis.”

In the past five financial years alone, the Portarlington Golf Club has given charitable support of more than $150,000.

In that time, the CCF component has become the biggest single source of community initiatives with almost $50,000 in such grants alone.

The CCF was established to support not-for-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community.

This year, highlighting just how much the CCF means to these institutions, the club received 18 grant applications totalling in excess of $122,000.

Lifeline’s grant is one of four successful applications, with a total of $15,000 given back to the community, extended from the originally advertised scope of $12,000.

“We really think these donations have become incredibly important within our community, so we’re happy to extend this year because all the applicants were incredibly worthy,” Phillips said.

Raechel Gleeson accepts the cheque from acting Port GC chief executive Jackie Durbidge.

Portarlington, like many towns and cities in Australia, has a growing issue whereby many of its residents are struggling to meet the financial demands of putting food on the table.

But from within that gloom, in Food Assist 3223, there exists a beacon of hope and support for those in need.

This heart-warming tale revolves around president Prue Drever and her fantastic group of volunteers, whose unwavering commitment has touched countless lives.

Some of Prue’s proudest moments come when individuals, often at their lowest points and with seemingly insurmountable challenges, walk through the doors of the food bank. She recounts the stories of people who endured terrible things, standing at the end of their tether.

Through the collective efforts of the volunteers and the generous donations from the community, these individuals receive not only food but also a renewed sense of hope and the strength to push forward. “That’s what it’s all about,” Prue says with a smile.

Local donations play a crucial role in sustaining the food bank, none more so than the $2500 given again this year by the Portarlington Golf Club's Community Contribution Fund (CCF).

It's the second year in succession that the CCF has given its support to Food Assist 3223, following the $7000 of 2023. Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said that while the story of ongoing demand on the charity's resources was sad, the club was delighted to play its part in keeping the program ticking along.

Prue beams with pride as she speaks of the generosity of the golf club and many others. From individuals to community groups, the outpouring of support is a testament to the caring nature of the residents, she said.

“I love this community,” Prue declares, her voice filled with affection. It’s a community-centric endeavour where local people support local people, creating a truly special and interconnected network of care.

There’s already a close bond between the Portarlington Golf Club and the town’s footy and netball club.

This year, it has become even tighter.

The two clubs have strengthened their financial and social ties, with the golf club one of the Demons’ executive partners.

But taking it more than another step further, three of those in red and blue this weekend for the start of the 2024 BFL season are golf club employees.

And in recruit Stephen Heppel’s case, it’s actually his new job as a bartender at the golf club that has enabled him to become a Demon.

“I’m really grateful the two clubs have such a great relationship because otherwise I couldn’t be here,” said Heppel, a former premiership player for North Launceston in the Tasmanian state league who has made his way to Port via St Albans in the Essendon District Football League.

“I’m pumped to get out there and represent the town … I haven’t been this excited about a footy season for a few years now and there is definitely a real buzz about the town.”

The dynamic greenskeeping duo of Matt Fromholtz and Sam Beeston also feel the support around both clubs.

“It’s always great to have the (golfing) members talk about footy, everyone’s getting a bit excited, I reckon,” Fromholtz said.

“And one of the best things is that we’ve got a lot of young talent as well, coming through from the (premiership) under-18s last year. There’s some real quality from those guys in the three practice games we’ve played, starting in the midfield in the senior squad and dominating.”

Beeston, whose spot in the seniors is potentially in jeopardy given the influx of talent, was equally upbeat regardless of the selectors’ views.

“Change is on its way, you can feel it. We’ve got some good players coming in and we’ve kept a few from the past couple of years, too,” he said.

“It’s just great to have everyone around town talking about it again … and great for the golf club to be part of helping out the way it has.”

Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said the partnership between the clubs was important for all around town.

“We have a lot of long-term members who would love to see the footy and netball clubs do well, obviously,” he said.

“But I think some people forget how good it would be for the entire town to get behind the club when things start to turn around as we are confident they will very soon.

“If we at the golf club can play our part in making the footy and netball clubs hum along, then it’s a win for the whole Port community.”

Sam Beeston, Stephen Heppel and Matt Fromholtz are raring to go on Friday.

Samantha McCarthy has an enormous streak of community spirit coursing through her veins.

When she’s not living in Portarlington and working here at the golf club, she spends time in Ballarat with friends and family and also volunteers her time at Foodbank in Yarraville.

But in February, Sam took her giving attitude to a whole new level.
Not only did she give up the luscious locks she’d been cultivating almost throughout her 19 years, she did it in the name of the World’s Greatest Shave (WGS) to help those suffering through leukaemia.
“I wanted to shave my hair because I hadn’t done it before, but I wanted to do it for a cause,” she said.

“I’d rather do it to help people than for nothing.”

And that she most certainly has.

Not only has Sam raised more than $1200 – and still counting – for WGS, she kept a remarkable eight ponytales from her big adventure and packed them off to help those enduing the fight of their lives. “They were all plaited, the shortest was 25cm and the longest 38cm.

The form player of the 2024 PGA Legends Tour just got even hotter.

Queenslander Chris Taylor saluted in a tight Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am at Portarlington on Tuesday, fending off a host of challengers for a one-shot victory.

His four-under-par 68 edged out five players – Michael Isherwood, Euan Walters, Ben Jackson, David Miles and tournament drawcard Peter Lonard – on 69 in the first event on Australian soil for the 2024 season.

Highly fancied trio Terry Price, Peter Fowler and Lucien Tinkler were among another group at 70, while the popular Mark Allen and 2023 order of merit champion Andre Stolz – the day’s unluckiest player – were in another band at 71.

The win, already Taylor’s third in the nine events of the 2024 season, looked anything but likely after he started on Portarlington’s 18^th hole and was yet to hit a green in regulation by the time he stood on the sixth tee.

But a white-hot putter kept the Hervey Bay pro in the hunt and when the long game clicked into gear, he rolled in five birdies in seven holes from the seventh to charge clear.

And even as his playing partners fell victim to the mid-course hospitality tents, Taylor – third at Portarlington last year – kept his cool with only the one bogey on the tough par-4 15^th.

“It’s one of those courses that you can score really well on, but there are a few holes out there that can really bring you back to earth quickly, so I was glad to miss out on that damage with my short game today,” said Taylor, who paid tribute to the groundstaff for the immaculate greens.

“We had a great day in our team, I stayed away from the bar out there and my putter behaved, so it was great.

“The greens looked slow but they rolled out really nicely and on that pure surface, if you get the ball on line, the ball will go in.

“The surrounds and the fairways are second to none, probably the best we play on nearly all year, so there were no excuses with the putter.

“And that’s what I did today – I made 90 per cent of them, but even the ones that I did miss just ran over the edges.

“I didn’t hit it that great, but overall I got away with it.”

Taylor, 52, who won twice in the recent New Zealand swing, had a purple patch last year, winning three events in a row in August-September, including the three-round PNG Senior Open.

“It’s nice to be in a bit of form and make a flying start to the season … hopefully I can keep it going.”

Stolz, along with Price the defending champion, looked set to repeat his 2023 victory when he charged to five under through the generally tougher back nine after starting on the 10^th.

He missed a couple of shortish chances to extend his lead on the third and fourth, but came to grief on the seventh in the most unfortunate of circumstances.

Stolz ripped his approach to the par-4 to kick-in range, but when he leant down to repair his pitch mark next to the hole, realised he’d hit his playing partner’s ball.

The resultant triple-bogey seven dropped him from the hunt.

Of the other main drawcards, Mike Clayton, Nick O’Hern and Mark Tickle each had 75 to share 34^th.

PROFESSIONAL LEADERBOARD

Click Here for Results

ALL THE WINNERS

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Sometimes when you run a public event, the promotional path you need to tread is obvious.

But there’s so much going on at the Portarlington Golf Club on February 19-20, it’s too hard to make that choice.

On Tuesday, February 20, the third annual PGA Legends Tour Pro-Am will be played, proudly presented by new sponsor Sheen Panel Service.

The partnership with Sheen, whose Bellarine manager Josh Hewlett represents its shops in Ocean Grove and Drysdale, has enabled what was already an award-winning event to go the next level.

Aside from their physical presence with on-course activations, Sheen’s partnership with the club has permitted the expansion of the Skins Game concept introduced so successfully last year.

Chief executive Michael Phillips said the Skins Game, to be held as a forerunner to the Pro-Am on Monday, February 19, will now be just one of a whole host of entertainment options on the club’s beautifully manicured lawns.

“The Skins Game concept came about last year at the last minute but still proved really popular with some of the top pros playing a few holes around the clubhouse precinct for cash jackpots, including our own resident professional Matt Milne,” Phillips said.

“But this year, with a bit more time to organise things, we really wanted to expand this concept to include something for everyone, whether they’re golf fans or just like chilling outside in a beautiful setting.

“Our staff and partners are co-ordinating a tent village that will be the backdrop to another Skins Game, but mostly a hub of entertainment and fun for all members and visitors.

“We’ll have brilliant food with gourmet barbecue options provided by Doug Unsworth and his team at Parkers Steakhouse and a selection of wood-fired pizzas from our kitchen – all at heavily subsidised prices.

“We’ll have a bar outside, but even better with one of our village tents to provide tastings from our good friends at The Whiskery and another with samples and more from local winemaker Scotchman’s Hill.

“There’ll be live music from one of favourite regulars Craig Sayer, plus really handy information booths from other partners including Kieser and Lifestyle Communities.

“The Portarlington Football and Netball Club will continue to ramp up for its big season ahead with a membership booth flanked by an old-fashioned handball competition.

“We’ll also hold a putting competition on the practice green next to the pro shop, so the whole area around the clubhouse will be a hive of activity.”

The main event will also come with some added bonuses for golfers on hand, with two master classes run by the PGA legends on site.

Defending joint champion Terry Price will host a shot-shaping demo, while there’ll also be a short-game clinic with American Perry Parker for those needing some advice with wedge in hand.

“Then the Skins Game itself should be epic,” Phillips said.

“Matt had a lot of support last year and I’m sure he’ll have a band of hardcore supporters again, but he might just need them going up against Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler and our two defending champions in Andre Stolz and Terry Price.

“Be sure to come along, there really will be something for everyone.

“And then to have the focus of the Aussie golfing community for the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am on Tuesday will make it a great couple of days to be around the club.”

Pro-Am draws released

The draws for Tuesday’s Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am have been completed.

Registration for the AM field starts from 7am near the pro shop, with the event proper to begin at 8am.

Registration for the PM field starts from 11am in the East Wing of the clubhouse, with the event proper to start at 1pm.

Please note that the draws are subject to change and will be updated as soon as possible should that happen.

Thanks, we’re excited to see you all here on Tuesday!

 - AM Field Draw V3
 - PM Field Draw V4

---

 

Your chance to join the action

Entries are now open to participate in the 2024 Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am.

If you want a chance to play with and compete against some of the legendary names of Australian golf - including Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler, Nick O’Hern, Mike Clayton and Terry Price – be sure to register while space permits.

It’s only $75 to play in the morning field (8am shotgun start) or $95 to play in the afternoon field (1pm shotgun start).

Entry includes entry into all the day’s on-course events – individual and team events as well as special hole-by-hole competitions during the day – plus two meals (before and after) for each field.

A presentation ceremony will follow the afternoon’s play.

ENTER HERE

Eat, drink and have a ball!

Sometimes when you run a public event, the promotional path you need to tread is obvious.

But there’s so much going on at the Portarlington Golf Club on February 19-20, it’s too hard to make that choice.

On Tuesday, February 20, the third annual PGA Legends Tour Pro-Am will be played, proudly presented by new sponsor Sheen Panel Service.

The partnership with Sheen, whose Bellarine manager Josh Hewlett represents its shops in Ocean Grove and Drysdale, has enabled what was already an award-winning event to go the next level.

Aside from their physical presence with on-course activations, Sheen’s partnership with the club has permitted the expansion of the Skins Game concept introduced so successfully last year.

Chief executive Michael Phillips said the Skins Game, to be held as a forerunner to the Pro-Am on Monday, February 19, will now be just one of a whole host of entertainment options on the club’s beautifully manicured lawns.

“The Skins Game concept came about last year at the last minute but still proved really popular with some of the top pros playing a few holes around the clubhouse precinct for cash jackpots, including our own resident professional Matt Milne,” Phillips said.

“But this year, with a bit more time to organise things, we really wanted to expand this concept to include something for everyone, whether they’re golf fans or just like chilling outside in a beautiful setting.

“Our staff and partners are co-ordinating a tent village that will be the backdrop to another Skins Game, but mostly a hub of entertainment and fun for all members and visitors.

“We’ll have brilliant food with gourmet barbecue options provided by Doug Unsworth and his team at Parkers Steakhouse and a selection of wood-fired pizzas from our kitchen – all at heavily subsidised prices.

“We’ll have a bar outside, but even better with one of our village tents to provide tastings from our good friends at The Whiskery and another with samples and more from local winemaker Scotchman’s Hill.

“There’ll be live music from one of favourite regulars Craig Sayer, plus really handy information booths from other partners including Kieser and Lifestyle Communities.

“The Portarlington Football and Netball Club will continue to ramp up for its big season ahead with a membership booth flanked by an old-fashioned handball competition.

“We’ll also hold a putting competition on the practice green next to the pro shop, so the whole area around the clubhouse will be a hive of activity.”

The main event will also come with some added bonuses for golfers on hand, with two master classes run by the PGA legends on site.

Defending joint champion Terry Price will host a shot-shaping demo, while there’ll also be a short-game clinic with American Perry Parker for those needing some advice with wedge in hand.

“Then the Skins Game itself should be epic,” Phillips said.

“Matt had a lot of support last year and I’m sure he’ll have a band of hardcore supporters again, but he might just need them going up against Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler and our two defending champions in Andre Stolz and Terry Price.

“Be sure to come along, there really will be something for everyone.

“And then to have the focus of the Aussie golfing community for the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am on Tuesday will make it a great couple of days to be around the club.”

Immense generosity.
That’s the overwhelming sentiment on so many levels after the Portarlington Golf Club was central to raising more than $21,000 for the Cancer Council in this week’s “Longest Day in Golf”.
With donations still rolling in to congratulate all the players who toiled their way through – in some cases – more than 12 hours of golf, the count at time of writing was $21,200.
“It’s an extraordinary response and that’s genuinely an amazing number,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.
“There was an amazing vibe around the course throughout the day – I know some loonies, just kidding, I mean players, were away at first light at 5.40am.
“And from that point on until after 7pm, there was just an immense spirit of commitment, teamwork and generosity which made that amazing donation possible.”
Leading the way for Port – as he has for four years now – was the indefatigable Trung Truong, who looked like the Pied Piper at times out on course.
Trung was joined by several of his great mates for the majority of his day - including Darren Hellmann, who played all 72 holes with the event’s spiritual leader. Gary Stafford also walked the whole 72, playing the majority of the way.
But Trung’s tribe was intermittently joined by dozens of spectators, caddies and a whole swag of players who chimed in for nine, 18 or some times many more holes to be part of the atmosphere.
Trung and Darren, accompanied home by the bagpipes of long-time member Bill Ogilvie, were responsible for raising $4245 of the overall total.
“It’s just great to have so many people supporting the cause – amazing to have so many people walking around with me as we go,” Trung said.

Members of “Trung’s Tribe” were epic in their support all day long.

It has been a week of tear-jerking generosity from the members of the Portarlington Golf Club.

Following three Christmas "break-up" rounds of golf - two for the men on Tuesday and one for the women on Wednesday - there were meals and parties where the festive spirit shone through in spectacular fashion.

The raffles raised an extraordinary $1810 - a figure that will be raised to $2000 by another club donation in addition to the meals and raffle prizes already contributed.

That cash will be sent to Food Assist 3223, whose president Prue Drever was emotional when addressing the women's function.

In addition to the financial aid, there was not enough space in the club bus to transport all the donated food and children's Christmas presents to the charity's Newcombe St headquarters.

"I'm totally overwhelmed," Drever said.

"Thank you isn't adequate to all the members who were so generous.

"It's the most amazing gift to us to pass on to others - it was truly unbelievable and so moving, I couldn't help but cry to see it all."

Drever addressed the function and attempted to explain the desperate "plight" of so many in our community who rely on donated food and other necessities to make ends meet in their lives.

"If you don't need food relief, it's hard to understand it," she said.

"So it's part of my job to put it out there and have people understand that it's such a real and massive issue.

"That's why it's so amazing to see this level of generosity from the golf club.

"It's an amazing array of donations and gifts ... and I was pleasantly surprised even more by the quality and thoughts put into the gifts for the children.

"You should have seen all the faces (at the hall) when we dropped in a bus full of stuff - everyone was just blown away and so grateful to you all."

Club chief executive Michael Phillips said it was great to continue the club's involvement with Food Assist 3223, which also received a $7000 donation earlier this year from its Community Contribution Fund.

"It's hard to think of a more appropriate organisation for us to support within our community because it helps so many people," Phillips said.

"So on behalf of all of our extremely generous members, I wanted to thank Prue and her team for all the work they do to ease a genuine issue in our community.

"And I want to thank the members themselves for being so giving, especially at this time of the year."

Any donated toys not given to chidren immediately by Drever and her team will be sent to Pastor Jake at the Drysdale Community Church where they'll be distributed in time for Christmas.

But it wasn't all serious stuff through the week, particularly with the women's break-up party evolving into a singalong with a jukebox turned karaoke machine.

Captain Jenny Edmanson, who herself turned in a wonderful Abba duet with songbird staff member Lucy Jones, said everyone had a great time to celebrate the festive season.

"There was some great singing - not by me, for the record - and a heap of dancing, too, which was fantastic.

"It was a great way to celebrate the year and do something good for our community all at the same time."

President Jan Cogger and captain Jen Edmanson stand proudly among the huge swag of donated food, goods and toys for Food Assist 3223.

If Food Assist 3223 was a “normal” business, its owners would be thrilled.

Cyclic, almost exponential expansion, a great community reputation and waves of good will are all part of why Food Assist 3223 has rapidly become an integral part of Portarlington and surrounds.

But it’s not a “normal” business.

It’s a food bank that operates to support disadvantage people within our community and – sadly – that clientele is expanding rapidly.

Rather than shy from the logistical problems that such growing demand places on limited resources, let alone its purely volunteer staff, the committee of Food Assist 3223 is doing its utmost to stay ahead of the curve.

And just like a meal for one of its clients, the key thing for that committee is to find security in being able to plan and build a future.

Which is precisely where the Portarlington Golf Club and its Community Contribution Fund enters the conversation.

President Prue Drever and her team did the maths and figured that a $3500 grant would provide the base required to provide food for the remainder of 2023, particularly through the high-demand winter months.

But so compelling and important was the case they presented, the Portarlington Golf Club broke with tradition and doubled the request, sending $7000 to what chief executive Michael Phillips described as “an incredibly important organisation to the wellbeing and comradeship of our entire community”.

“We’re not in the habit of giving more money than is requested, but the work Food Assist 3223 does around Port, Indented Head and St Leonards is nothing short of remarkable and they deserve our full support,” Phillips said.

“So we’re proud and delighted to be able to play a small part in helping Prue’s team continue to deliver a service we collectively wish wasn’t needed, but that has become critical to so many in our neighbourhood.”

Drever said her committee and volunteers were overjoyed by news of the grant.

“We just want to say a really huge `thank you’ to the golf club and its members for the support – to get double what we asked for is not at all what we expected, but it’s an enormous boost for us all,” she said.

“It’s a huge thing for us because it gives us security. We’re entirely run by volunteers and get no government funding, so we rely exclusively on community support and the generosity of people around town.

“So a grant of this size enables us to not only provide food for so many people, but to actually think about planning for what’s 12 months ahead. It also means we can focus on the core job rather than running around and trying to fund everything as we go.

“This is like winning Tattslotto for us – it takes that worry away, enables us to feed extra people and also for things we have to pay for that going up like they are for everyone, like power and heating bills. It’s amazing and we’re so grateful.”

More than 40 volunteers staff the Food Assist 3223 programs, based at the St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall in Newcombe Street.

According to a Foodbank Australia Hunger Report, more than 2 million households experienced “severe food insecurity” in 2022. Sadly, that figure is mirrored in our own community and in the year to date, the number of visits to Food Assist 3223 is up a staggering 43 per cent.

Drever said many people in need still don’t reach out “because of the stigma still attached to asking for help”.

“It’s terrible, but with the way the economy is these days and with the cost of everything in life really just soaring, we really need to `normalise’ asking for help because so many people genuinely need it through absolutely no fault of their own,” she said.

“But some people are ashamed and really hate asking for that help, so we ask that people realise it’s OK and that we have some really friendly and wonderful volunteers who make no judgement on anyone at all. They’re here to help and know that it’s just a part of life these days, as different as it is.”

The Portarlington Golf Club has given charitable support of more than $125,000 in the past four financial years, including more than $30,000 specifically via its Community Contribution Fund.

The CCF was established to support not-for-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community.

Phillips said the club considered many factors when allocating funds, including the potential for increased engagement of volunteers, community and participants.

“The golf club sees itself as a community leader and that it’s our duty to assist other clubs and community groups whenever we can,” he said.

“Our success as a club in the community is partly measured by the success of everybody else within the community.

“We feel we have a significant role to play in that space and are very fortunate to have a business model that allows us to support groups who don’t necessarily have access to the funds that we do.

“It’s hard to think of a more important and worthy recipient than Food Assist 3223 and we ask that all who can help them out do so whenever they can, especially with the volunteer support on which it relies.”

Food Assist 3223 president Prue Drever surveys the St Andrews Uniting Church Hall.

Volunteer Rhonda helps out a shopper with her selection of fresh fruit.