Sanctuary Lakes

The links between Sanctuary Lakes and Horsham Golf Clubs grew stronger on Sunday, the anniversary of Black Saturday, with the staging of the inaugural Phoenix Challenge.

On the ground left to right: Paul Keith, Sanctuary Lakes Manager; John Priestly, Captain of Horsham Golf Club; Brett Mackie, Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club Captain. Standing in the Point Cook Fire Truck left to right: 1st Lt. Bill Garner; 3rd Lt. Dave Grimes; Colin Buckle and Ian Trigg.

The Phoenix Challenge grew from the links established between the two clubs when Sanctuary Lakes staged a fundraising event to assist the Horsham Golf Club, which was badly damaged in the bushfires last year. Following a minute's silence, the 70 golfers taking part from the two clubs were addressed by Noel Caulfield, Sanctuary Lakes President, who welcomed the golfers and saying it was also important to have the local Point Cook CFA brigade present. 1st Lt. Bill Garner from the Point Cook Fire Brigade presented Noel Caulfield with a special trophy in recognition of the Club's support for the local CFA, and commented the Brigade had travelled to many fires during the crisis.

Brett Mackie, Captain of the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club said the day was a special one for all of the players providing another opportunity to look forward whilst appreciating the circumstance which had brought the Club's together.

"This is a special day for Sanctuary Lakes and we look forward to playing the next Phoenix Challenge at Horsham Golf Club."

He thanked the Bendigo Bank and Links Living for supporting the day with sponsorship whilst proudly displaying the Phoenix Trophy designed by golf writer George Begg and sponsored by Ascot Vale Sports &Trophies, which featured a resurrected golf club from the Black Saturday fires at the Horsham Golf Club.

John Priestly, Captain of the Horsham Golf Club told the assembled golfers of the Club's ongoing battle to recover from the fire and his own personal trauma of trying to reach the family home where his thirteen year old son had informed him the house was surrounded by fire.

In a closely fought game when the scores were averaged out Sanctuary Lakes had won the Phoenix Challenge 30.21 to 29.71.

Individual winners on the day were Noel Caulfield, Club President of Sanctuary Lakes and Julie Wirth, the Ladies Captain of Horsham.

NB. High res. images available.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Sanctuary Lakes Resort (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201