This year’s Little Telethon Stars put their best putt forward on Tuesday as they hit the green at Wembley Golf Course for a leisurely round of mini-golf ahead of the Perron Institute Hole-in-One Challenge at the weekend.
Xavier Summers, Jordan Blair and Izzy Miller prepared for the popular event on Sunday, which will see golfers from novice to pro have their chance at winning the $250,000 prize for a hole-in-one.
They were joined by Fat Cat, who showed off his own putting skills under instruction from the kids.
In its sixth year, all proceeds from mini-golf at the course on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as funds raised on challenge day, will go to Telethon to support crucial mental health research being undertaken at the Perron Institute.
Perron’s head of brain plasticity research Professor Jenny Rodger said as mental ill-health among young people continues to grow, treatment options must grow at the same pace.
“The treatments that we have available are really developed for adults, and the young brain is very, very different,” Professor Rodger said.
“At the Perron Institute, we have a number of treatments that we’re rolling out to young people, and the funding will directly contribute to that research.
“Also, we’re preparing ourselves to establish a clinic that will deliver really targeted and cutting-edge treatments to young people with mental illness, personalising these treatments, and the funding will also help us to build towards that goal.”
Professor Rodger said the golf day was the culmination of strong partnerships between Telethon, the Perron Institute and the Town of Cambridge.
As for a spot of mini-golf itself, there are several mental health benefits.
“Golf is really great because it gets you outdoors, it gets you doing some physical activity, and we know that physical activity is one of the best things possible for brain health,” she said.
“When you’re in a community with people who may be golfing with you, taking a walk, . . . being with people and socialising is equally important.”
In the three weeks leading up to the Hole-in-One challenge, golden balls are randomly released at Wembley’s driving range, giving hopefuls a chance to secure their sport in the final showdown.
The competition is open to all ages and experience levels. If more than one player lands a hole-in-one, the prize will be shared.
https://thewest.com.au/news/telethon/telethon-2025-little-stars-hit-the-green-for-perron-institute-mini-golf-day-c-20255688
