The Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) Annual Charity Golf Day is a much-loved fixture on the Darwin Golf Club calendar, and this year’s event, held on Friday 1 August, was no exception. Soldier On was honoured to be the chosen charity partner once again.
The event has been organised annually since 2007 by Celina Hodge, a long-time volunteer at Darwin Golf Club and a proud member of the NT Public Service. 2025 marks the second consecutive year that Soldier On has been selected as the fundraiser’s beneficiary.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of participants and supporters, more than $20,000 was raised on the day. These funds will directly support Soldier On’s mission to deliver life-changing services, programs, and activities to serving and ex-serving Defence personnel and their families across Australia.
A total of 252 players took to the 9-hole course in a 6-person Ambrose (scramble) format, with this year’s ‘Back to the 80s’ dress code inspiring a colourful array of creative and nostalgic outfits.
A celebration of fundraising support
Mix 104.9’s breakfast announcer, Daniel Hilliard, joined in the fun at this year’s NTPS Charity Golf Day as one of our valued Soldier On Ambassadors. He took on the important (and entertaining) role of distributing prizes to the event’s lucky golfers.
Daniel is a strong supporter of Soldier On, sharing that he believes the work we do is vital:
‘The change from the structured life in the ADF to civilian life can be subtly overwhelming — and it’s different for everyone.’
‘Soldier On is the only organisation I’ve found that has both the flexibility and the focus to help in whatever way is needed for the individual, and extends that support to their family.’
Reflecting on the day, Daniel said the highlight wasn’t just about the golf: ‘Above and beyond, it was the vibe brought to the teams, it was a Friday afternoon, the weather was beautiful, and it was just good fun to get out there and either smash a ball or dig a garden.’
For Rob Johnstone, Soldier On’s Program and Engagement Officer, it was clear that for many participants, golf was just the backdrop, and the real focus was on making a statement with their outfits.
‘One team went all-out 80s, and another, ‘The Whammers’, was a tribute golf team to the band Wham! It was a great day out, and fantastic to see people having so much fun,’ Rob said.
Generosity and gratitude
Rob shared that he was ‘blown away by the generosity’ shown throughout the day, with several attendees making significant donations straight into the collection bucket.
‘A lot of people had really positive things to say about Soldier On and were grateful that we have a presence in the NT. It was great to support one of our key partners, the NT Public Service, and raise meaningful funds for Soldier On — while also enjoying a genuinely fun day with the local community,’ he said.
Rob also thanked Soldier On colleague Chris Mayes, who supported on the day:
‘Chris brought such great energy, and his help really contributed to the day’s success.’
A warm finish at the 19th hole
Once back at the ‘19th hole’, Soldier On Ambassador Daniel Hilliard said the crowd gathered enthusiastically around the Soldier On table to grab raffle tickets and a ‘fantastic Soldier On golf shirt’.
‘We set a new record for money raised through the raffle,’ Daniel said. ‘The hearts were almost as big as the scores!’
