Mr Ballangarry was the first Aboriginal president of Surf Life Saving in Australia, the first Aboriginal assessor in Surf Life Saving, a member of the first Aboriginal bronze squad and a recipient of the Australia Sports Medal.

He was an icon in the Nambucca Valley Community and strongly supported the youth of the valley, but died unexpectedly on September 8, 2006.

The following year a committee was formed in an attempt to carry on Louis’ ambition of having our budding sports persons realise their full potential, and the Louis Ballangarry Memorial Golf and Bowls Day was born.

This is the memorial’s fourth year and the proceeds will go towards the Bowraville Junior Rugby League and Macksville Junior and Senior Golfers and Bowlers.

In 2009, $8000 was raised, which was donated to the Scotts Head Junior Sports Club.

This money continues to give our budding sport’s players access to professional coaching not available in Nambucca; providing assistance towards accommodation and travel expenses to competition venues, and helping with the purchase of equipment and uniforms that some parents cannot afford.

For 2010, we hope to eclipse that total.

About half of the funds raised come from a memorabilia auction, while the other half is from raffles and entry fees.

We have received memorabilia items, which we consider will create a great deal of interest and appeal; About 50 items will be up for grabs, including autographed photographs and clothing.

Special guests Graham ‘Wombat’ Eaddie and Steve Martin, both Manly Sea Eagles players, State of Origin and Australian Kangaroo representatives, will be available to share a few stories of how league used to be played.

When all players have completed their rounds, and the scores and penalties have been tallied, the major prizewinners will be announced. There are 100 prizes, valued over $2000 to be won.

Between 4 and 5pm the auction will start, with Jason Borthwick in charge of the gavel and ‘Cactus’ Moran as the chief spotter.

All this and more for just $12, which includes a lunchtime steak sandwich. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, August 29 and trust you can help promote this worthy cause.