A CHILD does not grow up in one home, according to the old African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child.

And while the same goes for the rest of Korumburra’s youngest residents, the truth of that saying was evident at the Korumburra Golf Club on Sunday this week when close to a capacity field of golfers turned out to support Billie Wrigley’s aspirations for golf, having just been selected to join the community-based Gippsland Sports Academy’s golf program.

“Yeah, it’s good,” said Billie of the strong turnout at the picturesque Korumburra Golf Course, nestled in the green rolling Strzelecki hills above the town.

It’s not always the case at Korumburra Golf Club, where the course is starting to look its best after the winter, but the weather was absolutely superb for golf and for a successful fundraiser.

Billie set off with a group of young mates to play in the 18-hole, a mixed 4-ball event, but without a lot to prove after winning the foursomes championship at Korumburra the day before with partner Roy Fleming, the pair taking out the scratch with 74 off the stick, and also the handicap with a 65 nett – a nice day’s work!

There was a hum of conversation and preparation in front of the clubhouse shortly before 10am on Sunday, then the 16 groups fanned out to their assigned tee for the shotgun start.

There were raffles and awards afterwards and a healthy sum raised to help with Billie’s expenses next year, but it was more about the community coming together to support one of their own.

And at its best, that’s what life in a country town is all about.

For anyone who wasn't able to attend but might like to make a donation in lieu, this can be done to account; BSB: 063 515 Acc: 1015 1946.