Local bowlers soldier-on fundraising trek

A Macclesfield bowling team last week joined comrades in arms, trekking more than 8km to raise mental health awareness and funds for an important trip.

Members of the ‘Maccy Choir’ and local RSL joined Woodside-based soldiers from the 16th Regiment on Thursday, marching from Macclesfield to Meadows via Greenhills Road, in support of an upcoming Kokoda Trail trek.

“Around 10 soldiers are doing Kokoda and are needing a bit of help to get over there,” Macclesfield RSL President Dennis Oldenhove said.

“Some members of the RSL have a night owls bowling team over at Meadows.

“We walked a few years ago to raise funds for veterans’ mental health, and that worked well, so we thought we would try again this year and get these guys to come along with us and sort funds for them.

“We have done a few activities already to help raise funds, including a sausage sizzle, and we will pass buckets around Meadows Bowling Club where they will have a game of social bowls before serving dinner to the bowlers.”

Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie challenged the soldiers to a friendly game, before $1200 was raised throughout the evening, adding to the $1500 collected after the sausage sizzle.

Royal Australian Artillery 16th Regiment Corporal Trent Phillips told The Southern Argus the Kokoda trek involved personal motivation for all soldiers participating.

“We lost a few members in the regiment due to mental health issues, and the whole reason we started was to raise awareness and to get the guys talking,” he said.

“Macclesfield RSL are helping out a fair bit, for which we are grateful.

“We will head over for Anzac Day and do the dawn service at Isurava Memorial and lay a few wreaths on behalf of some of the guys in the regiment and pay our respects.”

Meanwhile, Mr Oldenhove encouraged anyone struggling to speak up and reach out to support networks.

“Soldiers put in a lot of commitment to serve their country, and for those who come out of it, they often struggle with mental health issues as a result,” he explained.

“It is important that we make sure they are looked after and they have the resources and services that they need.

“Talk to family and friends first and foremost, and don’t bottle up any issues you may have – the best medicine is talking.

“Once you have spoken to loved ones, but if you still require more help, reach out to services available like Beyond Blue, Lifeline or Open Arms, just don’t bottle it up.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the Kokoda trek can do so by visiting:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dp8r9-mental-health-awareness-for-service-personnel or by scanning the QR code.

Meadows Bowling Club also celebrated its night owls grand final on Thursday night.