Latest news with #CharityGolfDay
9 News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 9 News
For Mick Fanning, the shark attack 'was just something that happened'
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here When live broadcasters on the eastern cape of South Africa captured the terrifying moment a shark trailed Australian surf icon Mick Fanning just minutes into the 2015 J-Bay Open Final, viewers across the world gripped their couches and braced for the worst. But as the 10th anniversary of the champion wave rider's brush with death looms, Fanning is remarkably relaxed about his miraculous escape from harm. "It was just something that happened," he told . The infamous shark incident during the 2015 J-Bay Open Final was broadcast around the world. (World Surf League via Getty Imag) "To be honest, it wasn't like a flick of the switch moment where I was gonna change my whole life. "I just had to do work on myself to get myself back to, you know, surfing and stuff like that." After the near-attack in July 2015, Fanning returned to Jeffreys Bay the following year where he took out the competition, before retiring from WSL competition in 2018 as a three-time world champion. Since then, the Ballina-bred surfer has turned his focus - and perhaps his broader legacy - to charity. In March 2022, TV cameras were again fixed on Fanning, who again donned his signature wetsuit as he traversed deadly flood waters on his jet ski , carrying essential supplies and helping dozens of locals in the Northern Rivers to safe ground. Mick Fanning has used his jet ski to help flood impacted victims in Murwillumbah. (9News) "I know that area really well," Fanning said. The 43-year-old learned to surf in Ballina before honing his skills after moving to the Gold Coast as a teenager. "It's a place that I love and I got plenty of friends down there so I had a lot of friends that were affected by it all." From there, Mick Fanning's Charity Golf Day was born. The inaugural event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the flood recovery. Three years on, that figure is approaching $2 million, but the circumstances across the region are devastatingly similar. "It seems like it's just happening every other year now," Fanning said. "I guess on the ground and in doing all the rescue work and helping people get back on their feet, you build relationships and ... we've just found that a lot of people are still really struggling. "It's been three years on now and ... people are just finding out that the grants they thought they were going to get are not coming through. "Some people are just, you know, losing that hope." Fanning will be joined by celebrity mates and supporters today for his fourth annual Charity Golf Day. (Supplied) The golf day has helped raise almost $2 million for charities supporting the flood recovery effort. (Supplied) Fanning hopes some of the community's faith can be restored when a star-studded lineup of Aussie sporting legends and celebrities converge on the green at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club today for the fourth annual Charity Golf Day. "We're just here to let them know that we're still here we're still thinking of them and still trying to help where we can," he said. "There's some incredible people that are all coming out to support and yeah, we're very thankful for all their support and donating their time." Famous faces such as Dylan Alcott, Ellyse Perry, Hamish Blake, Sally Pearson, Karl Stefanovic and Shannon Noll will be swinging their drivers alongside generous supporters to raise vital funds for on-the-ground charities including Givit, Human Nature, and Hands On Hearts. This year, $1 million and a Mercedes-Benz are on the line if players can snag a hole-in-one. "It keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger and you know we try and add something new and exciting each and every year," Fanning said. "It's pretty massive that we can do things like that and just keep making the day bigger and better and hopefully raise more money for those in need, and actually raise more awareness." Fans who want a chance to win a year's supply of Balter beer, or would like to make a donation or purchase merch designed by street artist Sid Tapia, can visit the Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day website . floods national Australia Mick Fanning charity celebrities CONTACT US Property News: The last inner Sydney suburbs where houses cost under $2m.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Surfing icon Mick Fanning opens up about his chances of coming out of retirement - and the everyday task he loves since quitting the tour
Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning has lived a life few could imagine - but it turns out simple pleasures such as the after-school run are now top of his to-do list. Speaking ahead of his annual Charity Golf Day at the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club on June 13, the three-time world champion is loving life away from the gruelling professional tour - and the 43-year-old has no plans to emulate fellow icon Kelly Slater. Remarkably, Slater is still competing at 53. 'I definitely don't have itchy feet,' Fanning, who stepped aside from WSL events in 2018, told Daily Mail Australia. 'When I was on the tour, I threw everything into my performance. 'I've competed as a wildcard in a few events, but I'm definitely happy to be retired, I've got plenty of life projects to focus on.' One of those projects is the Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day, which sees plenty of Aussie A-list stars take part. The likes of Dylan Alcott, Sally Pearson, Ellyse Perry, Pat Rafter and Karl Stefanovic are expected on the greens this Friday, with the focus securing much-needed funds for those in need. 'Since 2022, we have raised almost $2million, which is something I am very proud of,' the Gold Coaster said. 'I'm not much of a golfer myself, I just like having a hit with my mates. 'Knowing it is for such a good cause, that motivates me.' Fanning will also 'celebrate' the 10-year anniversary of his infamous shark attack this July, where he became a global sensation. Competing at J-Bay in South Africa on July 19 in 2015, Fanning fought off a great white when competing in the final against his great mate Julian Wilson - and lived to tell the tale. The vision was seen by millions - and Fanning knows it is the first question on many people's lips when they meet him. 'I've dealt with it, I've moved on,' he said. 'It was a big incident at the time, I get it is a talking point. It was a crazy moment.' In 2016, Fanning - along with fellow surfers Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr and Bede Durbidge - founded Balter Brewing. The windfall has been staggering, with Carlton United Breweries (CUB) eventually buying out the brand three years later. It is rumoured the return was around $200million - not bad for a bunch of laidback surfers. Born in Penrith, the die-hard Panthers fan has watched on with pride as Ivan Cleary's men have created a dynasty in the NRL after winning four successive premierships dating back to 2021. Much like his own career in the ocean, Fanning linked their sustained success to incredible athleticism, seizing big moments and calling on an expert coaching staff. And when it comes to the future of professional surfing, 'White Lightning' is excited. 'The world has evolved so much since I was on tour... look at sports science and how professional everyone is,' he said. Now a father of two, Fanning loves the daily drop off - and after school activities on the Gold Coast 'Adding surfing to the Olympics has also been great... sponsors are now getting behind athletes as they compete on the ultimate stage. 'I can only see the sport going to another level.' A father of two, Fanning loves the daily drop-off - and after school activities, one of which naturally for his son Xander, is surfing. He also has a daughter, Lyla Skye.
Edinburgh Reporter
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Special charity golf day being held next week
A charity golf day will be held next week with those taking part hoping to raise thousands for a charity they have supported for the last decade. With 32 golfers taking part in the first charitable day organised by GBSS Civil Engineering Ltd the hope is to raise a four figure sum for The Catherine McEwan Foundation. This is a charity which supports those affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease, set up in 2003 by Derek McEwan, in memory of his late mother, Catherine. Providing a range of non-clinical support services, including wellness programmes, scholarship programmes, and community days, The Catherine McEwan Foundation additionally provides mental health support for both children and adults. Since 2015, GBSS has attended the charity's annual fundraiser, The Red Hot Ball, which the foundation holds in Glasgow to raise vital funds. This year the company took the decision to increase its support for the charity by staging its first ever Charity Golf Day at the local golf club, Glenbervie. Derek McEwan will attend to offer his support and encouragement to the golfers taking part, a mix of GBSS staff, suppliers, customers, and friends, together with friends and supporters of the charity. Managing Director of GBSS, David Owens, said;' It's not long now until the first ball will be teed off at inaugural charity golf day. We're all really looking forward to this event, and having encouraged our staff golfers to get involved in teams, we'd like to offer our thanks to everyone taking part, plus the management and staff at Glenbervie. We really appreciate everyone's support, and it's great that Derek is coming along himself too.' 'We can promise a fun filled day, with prizes.' Derek McEwan said: 'I can't thank the guys at GBSS enough for staging this fantastic event, in aid of The Catherine McEwan Foundation, which has now grown to complete some pretty significant impactful work across Scotland. GBSS has always been a fantastic supporter of the Red Hot Ball for many years too, always taking a table, but they really have gone the extra mile by staging the golf day. I'm sure it will be a fantastic success, and I look forward to being there on the day.' Founded in 2009, and based in the heart of Central Scotland, GBSS Civil Engineering Ltd services a range of industry leading clients, of all sizes, across Scotland and Northern England, in sectors including education, health, infrastructure, leisure, retail and residential. Like this: Like Related
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Findex Charity Golf Day Racks Up Record Support For Hato Hone St John
Press Release – Findex Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact. With a stacked course focused on fun and supporting a good cause, the fourth annual Findex Community Fund (FCF) Charity Golf Day was described in three short words: a roaring success. Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact. This year, the event was in support of Hato Hone St John's new Nelson Tasman Ambulance Hub in Richmond, a critical project enhancing emergency services for surrounding towns including Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, and Golden Bay. Under clear skies with Tasman Bay's stunning vistas, the Ambrose-style 18-hole tournament at Nelson Links welcomed players of all skill levels, from business owners to weekend warriors. The day buzzed with excitement, kicked off by a Hato Hone St John ambulance sounding the siren for the shotgun start. 'Now that,' says Andrew Smith, Nelson Findex Managing Partner, 'Was a crowd-pleasing moment that underscored the event's purpose!' On-course BBQ and drink stations fuelled players, while the 'Party Hole,' hosted by platinum sponsor Tax Management New Zealand, turned up the fun with burgers, music, and a festive vibe. The Bowater Motor Group's Hole-in-One contest, offering a $40,000 car and a matching donation to St John, kept hopes high, though no player claimed the prize. It was awesome to see the energy and community spirit in action, especially knowing each swing helped fund Hato Hone St John's life-saving services, says Matt Rama, Chief Commercial Officer, of Platinum sponsor TMNZ. 'For TMNZ, supporting the Findex Community Fund just made sense. As a purpose-led business, we share Findex's values around making a real difference. A big thank you to all the players, sponsors, and the Findex team who made the day happen. Together, we've helped make a real impact for a cause that supports New Zealanders.' Smith is thrilled with the turnout. 'A full draw, on point aural branding from Hone Hato St. John, and perfect weather made this one of our best golf days yet,' he enthuses. 'Every swing helped us support a Hub that will save lives in our region.' Debbie Zwies, Hato Hone St John South Island Fundraising Manager echoed Smith's enthusiasm: 'With 86% of our Emergency Ambulance Service funding coming from the government, we rely on a mix of third-party support, fundraising, and community generosity to bridge the gap. Support from organisations such as Findex helps us continue delivering vital services across Aotearoa.' She adds, 'We're pleased to be part of the Findex Community Fund Golf Day and appreciate their contribution to our cause.' The Hub, with a secured site, will feature four ambulances, six rest areas, and a public training facility to future-proof emergency care – all of which, of course, come at a cost. That's why the impact of initiatives like the Golf Day are so crucial, particularly as Hato Hone St John faces rising costs and ageing infrastructure, adds Zwies. 'The Nelson Tasman region is growing, and so are the demands on our ambulance services. That's why we're raising funds for the purpose-built ambulance hub—to provide more space, improved facilities, and future-proof emergency care for the community.' Findex's 2025 event aimed to surpass its 2022 record of $18,000, and early estimates suggested it did just that. Indeed, renowned for their financial acumen if not their prowess on the golf course, once the Findex accountants ran a calculator over the numbers, the total collected is $54,956. 'Not too bad for a day's work…ah, golf,' smiles Smith. Since 2018, the Findex Community Fund has donated over $4.1 million to charities, and this event adds to that legacy. Findex extends gratitude to sponsors including Tax Management New Zealand, alongside players and volunteers.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Findex Charity Golf Day Racks Up Record Support For Hato Hone St John
With a stacked course focused on fun and supporting a good cause, the fourth annual Findex Community Fund (FCF) Charity Golf Day was described in three short words: a roaring success. Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact. This year, the event was in support of Hato Hone St John's new Nelson Tasman Ambulance Hub in Richmond, a critical project enhancing emergency services for surrounding towns including Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, and Golden Bay. Under clear skies with Tasman Bay's stunning vistas, the Ambrose-style 18-hole tournament at Nelson Links welcomed players of all skill levels, from business owners to weekend warriors. The day buzzed with excitement, kicked off by a Hato Hone St John ambulance sounding the siren for the shotgun start. 'Now that,' says Andrew Smith, Nelson Findex Managing Partner, 'Was a crowd-pleasing moment that underscored the event's purpose!' On-course BBQ and drink stations fuelled players, while the 'Party Hole,' hosted by platinum sponsor Tax Management New Zealand, turned up the fun with burgers, music, and a festive vibe. The Bowater Motor Group's Hole-in-One contest, offering a $40,000 car and a matching donation to St John, kept hopes high, though no player claimed the prize. It was awesome to see the energy and community spirit in action, especially knowing each swing helped fund Hato Hone St John's life-saving services, says Matt Rama, Chief Commercial Officer, of Platinum sponsor TMNZ. 'For TMNZ, supporting the Findex Community Fund just made sense. As a purpose-led business, we share Findex's values around making a real difference. A big thank you to all the players, sponsors, and the Findex team who made the day happen. Together, we've helped make a real impact for a cause that supports New Zealanders.' Smith is thrilled with the turnout. 'A full draw, on point aural branding from Hone Hato St. John, and perfect weather made this one of our best golf days yet,' he enthuses. 'Every swing helped us support a Hub that will save lives in our region.' Debbie Zwies, Hato Hone St John South Island Fundraising Manager echoed Smith's enthusiasm: 'With 86% of our Emergency Ambulance Service funding coming from the government, we rely on a mix of third-party support, fundraising, and community generosity to bridge the gap. Support from organisations such as Findex helps us continue delivering vital services across Aotearoa.' She adds, 'We're pleased to be part of the Findex Community Fund Golf Day and appreciate their contribution to our cause.' The Hub, with a secured site, will feature four ambulances, six rest areas, and a public training facility to future-proof emergency care – all of which, of course, come at a cost. That's why the impact of initiatives like the Golf Day are so crucial, particularly as Hato Hone St John faces rising costs and ageing infrastructure, adds Zwies. 'The Nelson Tasman region is growing, and so are the demands on our ambulance services. That's why we're raising funds for the purpose-built ambulance hub—to provide more space, improved facilities, and future-proof emergency care for the community.' Findex's 2025 event aimed to surpass its 2022 record of $18,000, and early estimates suggested it did just that. Indeed, renowned for their financial acumen if not their prowess on the golf course, once the Findex accountants ran a calculator over the numbers, the total collected is $54,956. 'Not too bad for a day's work…ah, golf,' smiles Smith. Since 2018, the Findex Community Fund has donated over $4.1 million to charities, and this event adds to that legacy. Findex extends gratitude to sponsors including Tax Management New Zealand, alongside players and volunteers.
