The Beanie 2008
A Brief History of the Beanie Charity Golf Tournament
In a former life Peter & Heather kept themselves busy running a suburban accountancy practice with offices in Diamond Creek and Heidelberg.
One of their tax clients was Professor Robin Anderson who worked for Peter MacCallum Institute. Robin headed a cancer research team whose aim was preventing deaths from Breast Cancer.
Over the years of meeting Robin at Tax time , they came to realise the extent of Robin’s role - overseeing the research staff, attending international research updates, and raising funds to keep her team employed and equipped with the latest technology.
At the same time, Peter & Heather had taken on a significant role in the development of a new golf course in Tasmania, Barnbougle Dunes.
They were inaugural shareholders, and Peter was appointed Chairman and Financial Controller.
Barnbougle Dunes opened in 2004 , and quickly established itself as one of the great golf courses in the world.
But in the first few years of opening business at Barnbougle, the course was extremely quiet through the winter months. Golfers erroneously thought the winter weather in Tasmania would be too cold for golf.
However, due to Barnbougle's location on Tasmania’s north coast, the weather was actually quite mild through the winter months. We decided to take advantage of this 'possible good' weather in the quiet winter season and set up a Golf Charity Tournment in the heart of August and call it the "Beanie" - if the wind 'should' blow at Barnbougle, a Beanie was essential head gear for golf.
With a winter discount from Barnbougle Dunes, the Charity event was able to raise significant funds for Robin’s Breast Cancer Research, and kept Barnbougle ticking over through an otherwise quiet winter.
'The Beanie' theme took on a life of its own - with the participants imagination going into overdrive - with a colourful and crazy Beanie parade one of the highlights. Another highlight was the Gala Dinner and charity auction, where significant funds were raised. And we were right about the weather in August - with many days of golf played in short sleeves under blue skies.
The Beanie Event has now moved from Barnbougle but it has continued with tournaments held at King Island, Frankston GC, Victoria GC, Bonville and now Queenstown.
The Beanie has raised $196,198 - with the money used to fund researchers salaries and purchase important laboratory equipment.
And - we have have had great fun with a wonderful group of people each year.
The Charity - ONJ Breast Cancer Research Institute
Prefessor Robin Anderson and her team have moved from Peter Mac to The Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute in Heidelberg, where they continue theri vital work.
Professor Robin Anderson is the Head of the 'Translational Breast Cancer Programme' and 'Metastasis Research Laboratory' at the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute. It is Robin's team we are committed to assist. Find out more: Professor Robin Anderson
Their research work is aimed at reducing deaths from breast cancer. These deaths are largely due to the development of secondary breast cancer and its metastatic spread. Breast cancer is noted for the long time between diagnosis of the primary cancer and development of secondary cancers, which can cause ongoing anxiety for patients fearing a recurrence. They are investigating how tumour cells can disseminate from the primary tumour and remain alive but clinically undetectable for many years, and how they start expanding into life-threatening cancers in some patients. They are seeking therapies that prevent the expansion of these dormant cancer cells into new tumours. For more information on their vital research work visit: ONJ Metastaic Research Laboratory
The Beanie 2019
Over the years the event grew in staure and became the group golfing fun event.
The crazy headwear and fun charity auctions bring back great memories.
Who could forget Greg Hooper’s daring effort- wearing a woman’s bathing suit on to the golf course to raise funds for the charity?
Good on you Greg!
Hoops at Beanie 2011
In later years when Peter & Heather’s time at Barnbougle finished, the Beanie event moved around from year to year.
From the gorgeous little Frankston Golf Club, a couple of years on King Island, to beautiful Bonville, and a one dayer at Victoria Golf Club.
The Beanie 2015 (Frankston GC)
The 2025 Beanie- Queenstown, New Zealand
After a hefty delay overcoming the effects of COVID, the Beanie returns for 3 days of fun in Queenstown (the adventure capital of New Zealand)
Please click here to see the webpage for the 2025 event: The 2025 Beanie
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