The Peninsula Kingswood Community Foundation (PKCF) was established in 2020 by the club’s board, to enable it to charitably engage and support the local community of Frankston. This was recognition that as Peninsula Kingswood Golf Club forms part of the greater Frankston community, they should look to contribute in an ongoing and meaningful way to its development, both economically and socially.

Establishing relationships with local not-for-profit organisations was critical to informing the foundation about their local area’s most immediate and critical needs.

By holding fundraising events, they can make a demonstrable contribution to create positive social impact. Since forming the Foundation, they have raised over $220,000 and in the 2021-22 FY alone, they raised a record $142,700.

One such fundraising initiative was the development of the ‘Good Talks’ luncheon, with the aim to host a series of talks by distinguished Australians, to highlight the good work achieved in the community

The inaugural event was an initiative of the PKCF and the local chapter of the Order of Australia Association. Special guest Kevin Sheedy, AO had been announced as ‘Victorian of the Year’ just a day earlier and was sensationally at his best. He discussed his journey in football and how that facilitated learning and admiration for Indigenous culture and the talent First Nation Australians possess.

The club’s Director of Operations, Anthony White was delighted that the luncheon was well attended with strong support from members, community leaders and businesses. Partnering with the York Park Group, Peninsula Sotheby’s International Reality and the Order of Australia Association, the Foundation raised $29,200 through ticket sales and the raffle, with these prizes donated by Frankston Toyota, Drummonds Golf and the club. Generously, Sheedy not only offered his time for the event, but also auctioned off a private luncheon at PK for the highest bidder, which raised a further $4,500.

The highlight of the event may well have been when former AFL tribunal member Elaine Canty, drew out her own name in one of the raffle draws, before Sheedy reminded the crowd, Elaine was one of the tribunal members who once fined him $7,500 for famously mocking a throat cut towards a West Coast Eagles player.

Kevin was interviewed by Principal of Mahogany Rise Primary School, Andrew Schneider. This local school’s mission is to ensure that children engage with high-quality learning in a supportive and caring environment. With a disproportionate cohort of students from disadvantaged families, Mahogany Rise were grateful recipients of a $25k grant from PKCF.

Buoyed by the success of the luncheon, the PKCF’s committee are full steam ahead planningfuture events and fundraising initiatives, to ensure their ongoing contributions continue to their local community. What a great inspiration for other Victorian clubs.