A Shotgun start is how the 19th Angel Billy Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Golf fundraiser event will be started on Sunday 6 November.

Each participant is allocated a starting tee position and continue through the 27 hole golf course held at Nelson Bay Golf Club.

With a 9am hit off the course is estimated to be completed by about 1pm.

The participants are then able to relax at a two course lunch at Nelson Bay Bowling Club.
Followed by auctions, raffles and prizes.

Gary Troon of Anna Bay along with Jo Holley of Corlette, have worked together to co-ordinate the event.

Gary has been a member of the Golf Classic for 11 years, first 6 years as the Chairman and the subsequent 5 years as Co-ordinator of this event.

“I am very proud to be associated with the Golf Classic and hope it is another success so we can continue to raise a lot of money for the Westpac helicopters as they are such an important part of the community,” Mr Troon told Bay News of The Area.

“Not everyone realises that the Westpac helicopter team are called in for not only emergency hospital transfers, but are involved with boat/water rescues as well as retrieving people who have fallen off rocks.”

Angel Billy came about when Ron Smith (dec), was visiting the base where the helicopters are kept and he saw a koala on the dash of the helicopter.

When he asked what it was, a pilot told him, we call him Billy, he is our angel.
Our good luck charm.

Gary explained that Ron Smith, raised $500,000 from the golfing Classics in only 18 years.

“The Golf fundraiser continues to support this worthy cause and if you would like to participate, there are still places available,” Mr Troone said.

For more information and to secure your place, contact either Nelson Bay Golf club or Nelson Bay Bowling Club.
Alternatively, you can contact Gary 0407 968 931.

Bay News of The Area have also been fortunate to be able get involved and sponsor this year’s Angel Billy Classic.

By Mandy ELLIS