THE HERVEY Bay Golf Club was awash in a powerful sea of pink as the Fraser Coast Mates Annual Golf Day and The Flourish Garden, broke every record in its vibrant history, when they held the annual Golf Day on Friday June 20th.
On a day overflowing with community spirit, laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt conversations, more than $40,000 was raised to support local mental health initiatives.
It was, without question, the biggest and most successful Golf Day since Fraser Coast Mates was founded nine years ago after the tragic loss of our mate Geoff Redpath, the day symbolising Geoff’s love of Golf, Mates and Pink shirts.
This year almost 200 Golfers took to the course, vying for the Geoff Redpath Memorial Trophy awarded to the team playing in the best ‘Spirit of the Day’, whilst 180 ladies stepped out for The Flourish Garden luncheon event, all a bold and colourful symbol of how a community united can change lives.
Fraser Coast Mates is a grassroots charity with a powerful mission, to support mental health and suicide prevention across the Fraser Coast by reducing stigma, encouraging conversations, and providing practical support to those who need it most.
Founded by locals for locals, the organisation continues to grow through its deeply personal, community-driven approach.
“We were absolutely blown away by the support,” Fraser Coast Mates President Darren Bosley said.
“To raise over $40,000 in a single day shows not just the generosity of this community, but the growing understanding that we need to talk about mental health, and that we can have fun while doing it.”
Darren noted the significance of the event’s visual statement.
“When you looked across the course and saw that sea of pink, it wasn’t just a colour. It was a statement that we are here, together, for something that matters. Every swing, every laugh, every dollar raised is part of a bigger movement.”
The event’s success would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors and volunteers.
Prime Agents returned as the proud presenting partner, with Principal Leah Quinn expressing heartfelt appreciation.
“We are truly humbled to walk alongside Fraser Coast Mates in this journey,” she said.
“To see how this event and the organisation have grown year on year is inspiring. This is more than a sponsorship, it’s a partnership grounded in community, hope, and making a real difference.”
Countless other local businesses, individuals, and volunteers contributed through prize donations, time, and sponsorships.
Darren emphasised that the event is only as strong as the people who power it.
“This doesn’t happen without our committee. The hours they put in, the selfless commitment, it’s humbling. They are the engine behind this whole movement.”
Fraser Coast Mates Patron Kim Redpath also reflected on the significance of the Golf Day and the organisations growing legacy.
“Fraser Coast Mates was formed in support of men’s mental health and well being and creating a space where this topic is openly talked about. The evolution of FCM to also shine a light on women’s mental health and well being initiated the inclusion of The Flourish Garden to the day.”
“The support of this event each year is proof our community is willing to open up conversations around mental health and show one another that no one has to face mental health struggles alone.”
“Mental health and well being starts with you. As Mates we are here to create conversations and support one anther. Our message is consistent – check in on your mates and also check in on yourself.”
“If you need help, reach out to the support around you, and pick up the phone!”
“As the pink-clad players made their way around the course, cheered on by an equally enthusiastic crowd, it became clear that this was more than just a golf day.”
“It was a celebration of progress, a joyful affirmation that when a community comes together, no challenge is too big.”
Darren Bosley summed up the spirit of the day perfectly, “Every year, this gets bigger. But what really grows is the impact. We are making those harder conversations easier. We are breaking down stigma. And above all, we are doing it together.”
