Posted 12 October 2026
On Friday 9 October, supporters, sponsors and scientists came together at Kew Golf Club for the 17th SVI Charity Golf Day. The day raised more than $100,000 for SVI’s research.
SVI Chair Michael Burn, who also chairs the Golf Day Committee, welcomed the players. He noted that over the years the Golf Day has now raised more than $1.6 million for SVI.
“That’s an extraordinary achievement, helping SVI’s scientists carry out world-class medical research right here in Melbourne. To our longstanding supporters, thank you for returning so generously. To our new guests, welcome. We hope today will be the first of many.”
John Prendiville, Board Chair of Smart, salary packaging and novated leasing, welcomed players on behalf of this year’s Platinum sponsor. Then everyone headed out for a shotgun start. On course, players competed for nearest the pin, longest drive and putting prizes. A Ford Mustang from Peninsula Dealer Group was on offer for a hole-in-one on the 18th.
Back in the clubhouse, SVI’s new Director, Professor Fabienne Mackay, addressed guests at her first SVI Golf Day.
“Our researchers bring enormous curiosity and determination to understanding disease and finding better ways to prevent and treat it. Having a community willing to get behind that work means they can pursue ideas that could change lives.”
Guests then heard from Professor John Wentworth, who gave them a closer look at his work into type 1 diabetes. The evening closed with the auction, raffle and prize presentations.
We thank our sponsors, generous prize donors, the private sponsors who participated, the team at Kew Golf Club, and the SVI staff and volunteers who made the day run so smoothly.
Thank you to our Golf Day Committee: Michael Burn (Chair), Mark Kerr (Deputy Chair), Jeni Coutts, Bernadette Dennis OAM, Daniel Giesen-White, Simon Haidar and Barry Holbrook.
“The Committee’s support over the years has helped make this event an important part of SVI’s fundraising calendar. We are very grateful for your time, persistence and enthusiasm for SVI,” said Fabienne.
We hope to see you on the course in 2027.
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