Wine, golf & generosity! With Next Green Group’s support, Salsa Sorensen Charity Weekend raised $35,938.50 for local Douglas causes.”
The 2025 Salsa Sorensen Charity Weekend, proudly sponsored by Next Green Group, has once again highlighted the generosity and spirit of the Douglas community, raising a total of $35,938.50 across two standout events.
The weekend launched on Friday, 15 August with the inaugural Wine Lunch at Salsa Bar & Grill, where more than 100 guests came together to raise $12,500 in vital funds for Mossman Support Services.
On Sunday, 17 August, attention turned to the fairways of Palmer Sea Reef Golf Club for the 17th Brian Sorensen Cup, with 100 golfers teeing off in the name of community support. The event raised an impressive $23,438.50, which has been distributed to seven local organisations through the Salsa Sorensen Grants Program.
This year’s successful grant recipients are:
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RSL Mossman – to supply and install air-conditioning systems in the Diggers Cottages and upgrade lighting in the meeting hall.
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Douglas Heat Basketball Association – for the installation of four new adjustable backboards.
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OzCare Port Douglas – to establish a Memory Garden for the Dementia Locked Wing.
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Port Shorts Film Festival – to purchase multimedia equipment, enabling access for young people without equipment of their own.
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Mossman State High School P&C – to acquire new musical instruments.
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Douglas Shire Meals on Wheels – to enhance office functionality and digitise administration.
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Port Douglas C&K – to create a Cultural Experience and Bush Tucker Garden for young children.
2025 Golf Day Results
The competition on the course was as lively as the fundraising off it, with plenty of fun and friendly rivalry.
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Salsa Sorensen Cup Winning Team: Paul McMahon, Brian Windward, Laurie Greenwood & Stewart Booth (Score: 52.9)
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Winning Ladies Team: Nadine Jones, Julie Rose, Deb Wilson & Robyn Nimmo
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Best Dressed: Phil Holloway, Richard Jenkins, Rod Lane & Bob Montgomery
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Rob Palethorpe Memorial Trophy: Gordon Measday
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Best Team Name: Cup My Balls – John Whitley, Matthew Tissizis, John Cavanagh & Dale Goodwin
Other highlights included Nadine Jones taking out NTP – Ladies Hole 3, Martin Giles winning NTP – Mens Hole 3, Sheree Kemp hitting the Longest Drive – Ladies, and Laurie Greenwood smashing the Longest Drive – Mens.
Acknowledgements
The Salsa Sorensen Association extends heartfelt thanks to its core sponsors:
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Fiji Airways
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Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
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Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas
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Exemplar Coaches & Limousines
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Next Green Group
A special thank you goes to Palmer Sea Reef Golf Club for hosting the Brian Sorensen Cup in its 17th year, and to the Mirage Country Club for assisting with golf carts.
We also acknowledge the many hole sponsors, whose contributions underpin the success of the event, as well as every single player and supporter who joined us across the weekend — your generosity and spirit made these fundraising results possible.
Community Impact
“These events are about more than golf and good food — they’re about giving back,” said [Spokesperson Name]. “With over $35,000 raised this year, the impact across Mossman and Port Douglas will be felt in schools, sporting clubs, community services and cultural programs.”
The Salsa Sorensen Association thanked all sponsors, players, and supporters for their commitment, ensuring the Charity Weekend continues to grow and deliver lasting impact for the Douglas community.
