Senior Constable Matthew Nixon passed away following a lengthy battle with bowel cancer on the 8th May 2002 aged 28 years. Not only a devoted officer with approx. 8 years of Policing experience performed in Newtown, Warren and Forster but a kind hearted and devoted family man who was very community focused. Highly regarded throughout his life through his participation and great love of many sports including rugby league, triathlon, surf lifesaving and golf his passing has been a great loss to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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 colleagues decided it was time to make the day more formal. For the first few years proceeds were donated to the cancer Council. But, Garry and Matt’s mum, Rhonda decided monies raised should remain in the Great Lakes, distributing the funds between Cape Hawke Surf club and Great Lakes Hospice (now known as Great Lakes Palliative Care Support.
Deidre Stokes (Pres GLPCS) accepting cheque for $21,885.75 from Garry and Rhonda Nixon and Margaret Steel.
Over the past 21 years over $200,000 has been raised to benefit the patients, carers and families of the Great Lakes area through funds raised at the Matt Nixon Memorial Gold Day. We remain indebted to Matt’s family, friends and colleagues who have supported this wonderful cause for so long and through their sadness and grief have reached out to our wider community in such a special way.
Many sponsors make this day possible, and some of the sponsorship comes through donations collected by GLPCS members Vicki Thomas and Rosslyn Dreise.
Sponsors for this year include the following:
- Amaroo Cruises 2x $40 Lake Cruises
- Monin Seafoods $30.00 voucher
- Lobby’s $200. Voucher
- Beach Brew $100 Voucher
- Dragons Den 2x$50.00 vouchers
- Yarads 6 x $25.00 vouchers
- In House $30.00 voucher
- Juju Collection $30.00 Voucher
- Tartt 5 x $10.00 vouchers
- Sampson & Delilah $40 voucher
- Saltwaterwine Surf Goods to value of $200
- Forster Sports Centre Tackle box
- One Hair and Beauty Shampoo, cut and Blow-wave
- Forster Beauty Therapy Voucher for a facial ($125)
- Rocks Kidz 2x $50.00 vouchers
- Manning Shoe Store 4x $25.00 voucher
- Sitting Wombat Book and chocolates
- Coffee Grind $25.00 voucher
- Farmers Patch 3x $20.00 vouchers
- Watson’s Friendly Pharmacy 2x $ 50.00 vouchers
- Jungle Surf . Voucher
- Elliott’s Pharmacy . Beach Goods
- Great Lakes Pharmacy $ 30 voucher
- Tulls Newsagency Candle and Golf magazines
- Cheaper Choice/Nuggets shop Voucher
- Tuncurry Fresh Chickens
- Golden Ponds $200 restaurant voucher
