Community
2 October, 2025
Get around your mates this weekend
TERANG Golf Course will this weekend bring mateship to the forefront in memory of two men who battled mental health.
Timmy’s Get Around Your Mates Golf Day will return for another year this Sunday, October 5 at the Terang Golf Club from 9am.
Event organiser Paul Blain said the concept behind the event had started in memory of his friend Tim Rollo after he had received the phone call nobody wants.
“Tim played golf with us regularly, he loved his golf,” he said.
“One Sunday, everything seemed normal – we played golf and had a few beers in the afternoon.
“That night I woke up to a tragic phone call hearing that he had taken his own life overnight.
“That started the day knowing we had to get around mental health – as a memorial to Tim originally, but eventually it developed into awareness around suicide and mental health.”
The event sought to raise funds for Terang-based mental health charity Surviving The Dark Times, which Lizz Kelly and Sheryn McDowell launched after Ms Kelly lost her son, Thomas Vickers, to suicide.
“We’re supporting Surviving the Dark Times because there is a lot of people out there who are struggling,” Mr Blain said.
“They need to talk to friends – don’t be shy to speak out about how you’re feeling mentally.
“It’s important.”
Ms Kelly has been involved in the event this year, saying it was a positive to be able to encourage people to rally around those they hold close.
“Any kind of day in which we can promote those conversations should be done,” she said.
“It should be done – just to get around your mates, to grab a coffee.
“People suffer majorly – COVID-19 came along and stuffed a lot of people up.”
Ms Kelly has helped to coordinate with local businesses to offer more than $2500 in prizes this year, in addition to a raffle and auction, thanks to the generosity of businesses throwing support behind the fundraiser.
“The first year, when Paul came in and gave me a bag full of money from the day, I think I nearly fell over backwards,” she said.
“I wasn’t expecting it.
“It’s blown me away, the support of the community and the support of everyone.
“Our hats off to the local community and businesses who have got behind this.
“I don’t think there is one I’ve approached which hasn’t supported us.”
Mr Blain encouraged everyone to get down on the day, regardless of if they planned on playing golf or not, to unite behind the importance of mental health.
“There will be a free sausage sizzle with plenty of prizes, a raffle, music and even an auction – with all proceeds being donated to Surviving The Dark Times,” he said.
“Get three people together to make a team, to get around your mates – but the main part is to get down, enjoy the day and relax.
“You don’t have to play golf – just come down and enjoy the facilities.”
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