NOT a bad day at the office! This was the general consensus among those lucky enough to swap their usual work surrounds for the stunning views and pristine greens of Long Reef Golf Course in Collaroy. The teams, made up of people from across the shipping and logistics industry, took to the course early on Friday. And while there may not have been any holes in one, there was plenty of fun had and plenty of money raised for a very worthy cause.
The Shipping Industry Golf Day has been running for more than thirty years and, at last count, has raised an impressive $910,000 over that time. All funds go towards supporting research and clinical trials at the oncology department of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Paediatric oncologist Dr Geoff McCowage said that while there is some grant and industry support for clinical trials, “it’s the need for a standing infrastructure team on the ground to be able to get into trials” that is particularly aided by these funds. He added that there are also “unfunded trials that are exciting and important” which become possible thanks to events like these.
A highlight of the day is always hearing the personal stories from patients who have directly benefited from such trials. This year, guests were introduced to seven-year-old Montana - a little girl with a big zest for life.
DCN's all female team
Dr McCowage told DCN that from just five months old, Montana underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy for a brain tumour. When standard treatments stopped working, she was able to join a clinical research trial at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The new drug caused her tumour to shrink dramatically, and after a couple of years, treatment could be stopped. Today, Montana is at school, playing, and proudly says she has even “stayed up till after midnight” once.
“This sort of research is expensive,” Dr McCowage said. “But by participating, kids like Montana can access the latest new treatments. The Shipping Industry Golf Day has supported this kind of research for more than 30 years -a huge and vital contribution.”
Organisers told DCN that when asked if she wanted to speak at the fundraiser, Montana’s reply was, “Of course, if it’s going to help other children.”
The Shipping Industry Golf Day is supported by a number of sponsors across the industry, many of whom return year after year. This year it was announced that AllLift Forklifts and Access Equipment have pledged their support as a major sponsor for the next five years.