On stage for "Gilly's Day", from left at rear: Mark Winzer, David Welsh, Tony Reaper, Tom Hafey, Peter Chisnel, Stephen Hickey and a Tungamah Football Club representative. At front: a young Tom Hafey fan and Ainsley Gilcrist
Football legend and great advocate of country football, Tom Hafey, drove from Melbourne to speak at “Gilly’s Day” at Benalla All Blacks on Sunday 25 July. As many people are aware, Les “Gilly” Gilchrist has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment in Melbourne.
In 2010 Les decided to relinquish his role as All Blacks Senior Coach due to family commitments and work pressures with the National Bank. He continued playing this year until his health deteriorated, and his serious condition was realised.
Les had long and successful associations with two other local football clubs – Tungamah and Goorambat – and so the three clubs rallied for “Gilly’s Day”, a special fundraising effort to help the Gilcrists in these tough times, and maybe even pay for a family holiday when the treatment is completed.
Great club and community spirit shone through to raise over $15,000 on the day. An extraordinary effort made possible by a great team of contributors.
Here is the team list and their achievements:
• All 160 people who attended – paid for admission, made donations and bid in the memorabilia auction.
• Key organisers – Peter Chisnel, Tungamah Hotel licensee, organised the guest speakers. Tony Reaper took on promotion and ticket sales.
• Guest speakers – Tom Hafey, football legend, was the keynote speaker. Benalla’s Stephen Hickey, former North Melbourne player, put aside his Glenrowan colours.
• Auctioneer – David Welsh provided his services free of charge.
• Donations – Mark “Sammy” Winzer of the NAB sourced funds.
• Money managing – Tanya Kubeil handled the bookwork.
• Meat – Paul Rettke of Rettke’s Carrier Street Meats donated all the meat, which he cooked and carved.
• Catering – Carol Plum and the All Blacks Catering Team cooked all the vegetables and prepared the meals.
• Bar staff – Lindley Flack, Ian Sangster, Pete Laity, Garry Jones and Wes Stafford did the honours.
• Waitressing – the All Black netball girls served it up – just like they do on the court!
• Apologies if any one has been overlooked.
As Tom Hafey says and we all know – you can’t beat country football netball clubs for community spirit and support.
Photos by Jasmine Keogh
