Sport
23 August, 2025
Pink bowls fundraiser
A FULL green of 72 bowlers have participated in the third ‘Dutchy’s Cancer Carers Pink Day,’ hosted by Innisfail Bowls Club to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for a local support group.
Fellow bowlers from across the region rallied around Innisfail member, Michael de Vries, who received a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2022 and has completed treatment and is now in remission.
Eighteen teams from Innisfail, South Johnstone, Silkwood, Tully, Cairns, Atherton, Yungaburra, and Weipa played three games of 14 ends and enjoyed a barbecue lunch and smoko.
The winning team was Wayne O’Neill, Narelle O’Neill, Steve Stoter and Geoff Johnston (6+31) Louis Drake, Nelly Smith, Bruce Hopkins and Leonie Sims finished as runners up (6+21) Michael de Vries, Darryl Stumbles, Sean Prinsloo and Mark Elliott finished in third place (6+20) Craig Liddell, Warren Sinclair, Guy Bermingham and Jodie Higgins were in fourth (6+12) while Alf Strano, Alf Siliato, Greg McDonald and Snow Clark finished fifth (5+23).
A raffle of 21 prizes raised $7000, with all proceeds donated to Innisfail Breast Cancer Support Group (IBCSG).
Louis Drake from Weipa, a cancer survivor, gave a generous donation of $3000 to the cause and Weipa Bowls Club donated $1000.
During his treatment, the Chemo Chics: Mission Beach and Cassowary Coast group assisted Mr de Vries with transport to his chemotherapy sessions in Cairns.
Since late 2020, IBCSG has provided over 2000 chemotherapy/radiation care packs, 1000 post surgery care packs, as well as care packs more suited for male patients. Breast Care Nurses arrange distribution of these care packs to breast cancer patients throughout FNQ.
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