03 December 2025

Devonport Rotary golf day champions prostate cancer awareness for 23 years

The Rotary Club of Devonport North has marked an extraordinary milestone, celebrating 23 consecutive years of its annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Golf Day — a community-driven event that has grown from humble beginnings into one of the region’s most anticipated charity fixtures. 

Founded in 2003 by Rotary member and current President Peter Colgrave, the golf day was born out of concern about the lack of awareness of prostate cancer, particularly compared to other highly visible health campaigns. 

“At the time, I was seeing a lot of publicity around breast cancer, but very little discussion about prostate cancer,” Mr Colgrave said.  

“I also knew a fellow Rotary member who had passed away from the disease, and there just wasn’t the community awareness there needed to make a difference.” 

Starting with just 50 to 60 players on a nine-hole course and raising $1,500 in its first year, the event has since expanded to a full 18-hole competition at Devonport Country Club, now attracting a complete field of 144 players annually — with participants often lining up in advance to secure their place. 

This year’s event, held on 19 October, continues the remarkable legacy, bringing the total funds raised across its history to approximately $170,000 for prostate cancer awareness and support initiatives. 

“It’s grown beyond anything we imagined,” Mr Colgrave said. “People regularly contact us asking when the golf day is each year. There’s even one gentleman who has played every single year since it began. That dedication speaks volumes.” 

While the event promotes fun and camaraderie, its deeper impact lies in encouraging early detection and proactive health checks. Mr Colgrave, who includes prostate screening as part of his own annual health routine, said he has heard many stories from participants who sought testing after learning more through the golf day. 

“We’ve had men come to us and say that because of this event, they went and had their prostate checked. That’s the real reward — knowing it’s saving lives,” he said. 

The initiative has received sustained support from local partners, with Devonport Country Club praised for its generous provision of facilities, while long-term sponsors such as Extractas Bioscience and major sponsor Merseybank Apartments have played a pivotal role in making the day a success. 

Mr Colgrave, a former PCFA ambassador and passionate advocate for men’s health, also continues to deliver talks at local Men’s Sheds and community groups, reinforcing the importance of awareness and early detection. 

Next year’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Golf Day is already scheduled for 25 October 2026, with organisers keen to build even greater awareness and participation across the Northwest Coast. 

“This is about community, awareness and saving lives,” Mr Colgrave said. “And as long as we can keep swinging the clubs, we’ll keep raising awareness.” 

For more information or early interest in next year’s event, contact the Rotary Club of Devonport North.