WHEN a group of Moruya police and ambulance officers gathered for a beer some years back the idea of a social and community-focused event for their town was born.
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The men decided Moruya was “crying out” for a community day - and from there grew what is now a hugely successful annual event.
Now in its fifth year, the Moruya Police and Ambos Charity Golf Day has raised more than $50,000 for the special needs departments of Moruya’s public schools.
“The ambos and the police have a good relationship,” paramedic Wayne Power said.
“We got together for a beer, chose the charity, and the rest flowed on from there.”
Each year the men gather sponsorship from the community and compete in a two-person Ambrose-style golf tournament.
“It’s a great day. The kids come along, the hospitality students at the high school cater and we usually get around 140 players from all around the shire competing,” Mr Power said.
Moruya Public School teacher Rosie Spoelder said that recently the funds donated by the group had allowed the school to introduce a sailing program for its disabled kids.
“The sailing program gives those students with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing independently,” she said. “It’s a social activity with learning skills running through.”
Ms Spoelder listed resources like reading schemes and play equipment as just some of the purchases made possible by the support of Moruya’s police and ambos.
“It just allows us to do things with the kids that they otherwise couldn’t do,” she said. “Extra opportunities.
“It’s for the families as well. It’s great for them to see their children learning skills and broadening their horizons. The day is always a lot of fun - but then it’s easy for us because we just sit back while they organise the whole thing.”
However, Mr Power said it was the pleasure of those involved to do their bit for the schools.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” he said. “We’re all mates and have a great time doing it.”
The tournament will be held at Moruya Golf Club on October 24. Members of the public are invited to join in the fun with a sausage sizzle and other festivities planned for the day.