The Police have seized the Emergency Services Cup after a hotly contested golf day on Friday.
The annual fixture saw the trophy “back in the hands where it belongs with the police,” organiser Cliff Scarlett said after the team led by NSW Police officer Matthew O’Neill finished above the other emergency service groups.
Mr Scarlett said the day was all about honouring people in the emergency services and raising funds for the Children’s Ward of the Southeast Regional Hospital.
The trophy is back in the hands where it belongs with the police
- Cliff Scarlett
“The day was excellent with 108 competitors across 27 teams,” Mr Scarlett said. “We don’t have an exact count yet, but we’re looking at a $6500 donation.”
Organisers were also able to donate a number of local holiday passes to the Children’s ward for families to take a break after the stress of a child in hospital.
Mr Scarlett said the fundraising efforts and the work the players do are “a pretty serious matter”, but the golf day provided a light-hearted opportunity for friendly competition and some sledging.
“The rivalry between the stations is fantastic, you get Bega v Merimbula v Eden and even Batemans Bay,” Scarlett said.
“It’s a great way to share a beer and a laugh with these guys that you work alongside and often only see at some pretty serious scenarios.”
The organisers were thrilled by the turnout and Mr Scarlett said some teams including the Bermagui SES had already booked their place for next year.
“It will definitely be bigger and better next year,” he said. “We’ll have a limit of 36 teams, so people will have to get in quick.”
“I really want to thank everyone who volunteered or donated and a big thank you to Michael Weyman as guest speaker with an entertaining speech.”
Organisers are now looking to see even more teams signing up next year.
Mr Scarlett joked he wanted to “light a fire” under the Fireys and for more of them to enter next year. “It’s clearly the firey’s lack of skill that keeps them away,” he prods with a laugh.
He is also eager to welcome retired emergency service people as well.
He said it was too easy for people who’ve left the service to be forgotten, but wanted to include and acknowledge the work retired service people had done for their communities.
Anyone looking to donate for next year or current or retired emergency service staff looking to enter a team can contact Cliff Scarlett at the Merimbula Police Station.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
