Giving back through golf: Veterans donate $4,500 in Community Benefit Day

In another display of community support to important local causes, the Veterans have hosted another hugely successful Community Benefit Day on Thursday 9 April.

Every Veteran member was encouraged to celebrate two important community organisations: the Batemans Bay Community Picnic and the South Coast Community Kitchen. In total, $4,582 was donated by the Veterans to these deserving community groups thanks to the persistent generosity of funds provided by members through weekly raffles and the Day’s proceeds.

Marking the special donation, the large team of Batemans Bay Community Picnic volunteers, led by Sofia Keady, visited Catalina Club to accept their portion of donations.

“Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity,” Sofia said following the event.

“This donation is a huge help to everyone who are struggling in our community.”

The Batemans Bay Community Picnic was established soon after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, with Sofia noticing many in the local area struggling with isolation. Today, Sofia and her team welcome up to 50 or more local people, who all share food, stories and make new connections each month at the heart of the Batemans Bay.

Sarah from the South Coast Community Kitchen (far left) and Sofia and her team of volunteers from the Batemans Bay Community Picnic accepted the generous donation from the Veterans on April 9.

Sarah O’Reilly, who is at the helm of the South Coast Community Kitchen, said the Veterans donation helps to pay for the monthly volunteer-run barbecue in Moruya for vulnerable local people. The funds will also help to supplement weekly food deliveries in Batemans Bay and occasional emergency assistance.

With two full fields on the day, and almost 150 Veterans competing, competition was strong. In holes 1 to 9, Paul Freestone & Peter Kennedy won with 25 pts, while Ray Hartley and Robert Splithof claimed the title for holes 19 to 27.

Published April 9, 2026.