The town is the weekend hosting a fundraiser in aid of Kerrie Guest and Belinda Martin, women who’ve fallen on hard times.

Being ill in a city environment is so very difficult, but being ill in a rural setting carries its own problems and additional costs too. Travel for treatment, time away from family, access to medical attention, home support and a multitude of other problems are different from that of a city person with similar illness.

Binalong has a long history of supporting residents in need. Its residents have previously held fundraisers to help with medical expenses, travel and additional costs associated with illness. In this case, the Binalong Golf Club Committee has decided to host a fundraising event, which tees off on Sunday from 11am, for Kerrie and Belinda.

Belinda grew up in Binalong, playing with local children and enjoying local activities, before moving to Yass. She has now returned to live in Binalong to be nearer her family. She has two school-aged children who are minded by her mother and father, Lawrence and Robyn Dyball during the week. Her husband works away from home during the week but comes home to care for her at weekends. 

Belinda travels regularly for treatment and deals with significant side effects from her cancer.

Kerrie came to Binalong in 2007, a young woman with four children. She quickly settled into the community. Here she met her current partner in the hope of a long and happy future in this rural village. 

Her love of life and cheerful attitude are a lesson to us all. Despite recent operations to help prolong her life, she does not give up on herself.

On Sunday, the Binalong Golf Club will open its doors to welcome people from the local district. There will be so many events for all. Come along and join in the golf events from midday or bowling from 1pm. Novelty events are included. Names need to be in 30 minutes before the start and accompany a $15 entry.

The day includes Car Boot Sale and stalls at $15 a site from 11am, novelty events and rides for children, including face painting and a jumping castle, a kids and pets photo competition.

A barbecue  will be on offer during the day with a buffet dinner commencing at 6pm. The day also includes live music with an open mic, silent and live auctions, and raffles.

Cancer can be hard at the best to times when one lives in a big city near all the best medical facilities. In Binalong there are no nearby facilities. 

Mick Del Santo, our Binalong Butcher, his lovely partner Lillian Arabin and the Golf Club Committee raised the idea of doing something and the town moved behind them. 

The money raised will be given to the two women to do what they want. They are encouraged to spend it to help with their lives and enjoy the time they have with their families. This will help with expenses and make life a little more comfortable.

The committee is still seeking donations for the auctions, raffles or just bookings for the car boot sale and stalls.

Please contact Mick on 6227 4321 for enquiries and donations and Kathleen Phillips on 6227 4471 for stall bookings.