Golfing enthusiasts and spectators gathered at the Wembley Golf Course for a hole-in-one hit off to pocket a $250,000 prize.
Proudly supported by the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, the Town of Cambridge, Wembley Golf Course and sponsored by Unlimited Energy, the partnership has raised over $700,000 in the past five years.
The Perron Institute Hole in One competition has become a popular event with players, ranging from absolute beginners to professionals.
Open to members of the public of all ages, ‘Golden’ balls were randomly inserted in the range hopper at the Wembley driving range during the six weeks leading up to the event, giving players the chance to win a place in the competition.
Several of Western Australia’s top golf pros and celebrities also competed for a chance to win the major prize.
This year, the Mayor of Cambridge, Gary Mack, led the festivities at the Hole in One competition, which included over 50 competitors. The $250,000 prize wasn’t claimed, but Steve Allen from Shaw and Partners won the nearest-the-pin prize, receiving a $2,500 travel voucher.
A Play with the Pros corporate day and Kids Mini Golf events with Fat Cat and the Little Telethon Stars were held as part of the series of events.
Over $210,000 was raised for Telethon this year for Perron Institute research into youth mental health to develop personalised treatment options to improve medical outcomes.
Youth mental illness is one of the most prevalent and devastating health burdens worldwide and although there are numerous pharmacological treatments available, over half of adolescents and young adults treated for mental illness do not respond to current treatments.
The multidisciplinary research team at the Perron Institute is investigating emerging alternative treatments that have the potential to deliver long-term benefits to young people’s lives.
Michelle Morgan, Partnerships and Fundraising Manager at Telethon said, “Perron Institute and Telethon share the same passion for creating better and brighter futures for West Australians.
“For over 56 years, generations of West Australians have grown up with Telethon and through their generosity have had a major impact on some of the life-threatening diseases that face our children.”
“Through its support of Perron Institute’s ground-breaking research, Telethon is helping children and young people with neurological and mental health conditions have a better quality of life and help Perron Institute researchers in their quest to find the cures for tomorrow.”