You are golfing in memory of Matt Nixon and contributing to two worthy causes –the Great Lakes Palliative Care Support and Cape Hawke Surf Club and we sincerely thank you for your support whether a past player or a first time attendee Matt passed away tragically after a long and brave battle with cancer on 8 May 2002 aged just 28 years.

The following is a brief history on Matt and the origins of this special day which may help you reflect on life and have a more enjoyable day.

Matt was a serving Police Officer with the NSW Police Force and graduated in November 1993 and posted to Newtown and Five Dock Police Stations. He was transferred to Warren in 1995 as a Constable where he served until his transfer to Forster in 1999 after he was first diagnosed with his illness.  Matt was an avid sportsman and enjoyed surfing and was a member of the Cape Hawke Surf Club, an A grade golfer and he also played for the Hawks in First grade Rugby League. He started training for his first Ironman Triathlon in 1998 when he was at Warren and finished his second one in 1999. Like his father Garry, Matt became a Director of the Ironman Local Organising Committee.

Matt was an inspiration to so many and some have said he was born to be a police officer as he had a gift and intelligence for that work and was wise beyond his years. Such was his standing in the Police force the then Police Commissioner had personally visited him prior to his passing.  

 His courage in battling his illness was astounding and indeed inspiring with his determination to persist with his police work, playing golf and volunteering in so many areas. He was always full of energy and had a positive outlook on life.

In late 2002 Garry and Matt’s mates got together for a golf day in his memory and followed up this day for a further two years.  It seemed interest was waning so Garry and his colleagues decided it was time to make the day more formal and thus this special day was created. 

For the first few years the proceeds from the day were dispersed to the Cancer Council but Gary and mum Rhonda decided the monies raised should remain in the Great Lakes and to share these proceeds between the Cape Hawke Surf Club and the Great Lakes Palliative Care Support (Support).  Now in its 22nd year, the day has realised well over $220,000 for these organisations with the Support receiving in excess of $160,000. 

The Support acknowledges that these monies have been enormous in enabling it to expand its services with confidence. The local area now has the highest rate in NSW of people wishing to pass in their own home which accounts for 40%. The Support has  been able to help the 2 local Palliative Care Nurses in areas such as an equipment pool, expensive medications and the hiring as needed, of a special hospital bed and has also assisted in the development of the Oncology Unit at Forster Private Hospital.