A Milestone Moment: The Foundation’s First Grant in Action
The Dunstan Hospital Foundation is proud to make its first-ever grant to the Central Otago Health Services Limited (COHSL) operating company, a milestone that reflects the power of community coming together to strengthen healthcare close to home.
This first grant has been made possible through the generosity and dedication behind Cockies & Tradies, a grassroots fundraising event that continues to demonstrate what’s possible when people rally around better health outcomes for their community.
A Community-Led Effort with Real Impact
The third Cockies & Tradies Charity Golf Tournament was held at Alexandra Golf Course on 3 October 2025, bringing together a hugely supportive mix of locals, volunteers, businesses and sponsors. Thanks to their collective efforts, the tournament raised nearly $83,000, with net proceeds split equally between Melanoma New Zealand and the Dunstan Hospital Foundation.
The event was driven by the tireless efforts of Chris Flannery and Nic Jones, who brought people together not for recognition, but with a shared purpose, supporting better health outcomes for New Zealanders.
At the heart of the event was a strong sense of community contribution. From those who attended and volunteered, to businesses who sponsored holes, donated auction items, or supported behind the scenes, every contribution played a part.
While Chris is often described as the driving force behind Cockies & Tradies, his leadership is defined by humility and an unwavering focus on collective effort. He is quick to shift the spotlight back onto the people who show up year after year, a quality that has helped turn this event into something truly special.
Supporting Local Care and National Awareness
The funds raised through Cockies & Tradies are thoughtfully split to ensure impact at both a local and national level.
In addition to supporting the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, Melanoma New Zealand played a visible and vital role on the day. Their new South Island spot check van attended the tournament and was later taken into Alexandra township, extending the reach of the event beyond the golf course and into the wider community.
Across the day, Melanoma New Zealand’s Nurse Educator provided 74 free skin cancer spot checks, with 11 suspicious lesions identified, including one suspected melanoma — an important reminder of how early detection can save lives.
Andrea Newland, CEO of Melanoma New Zealand, acknowledged both the impact and the intent behind the event:
“Melanoma New Zealand is so grateful for Chris and Nic’s ongoing support, and the wider support from the local community. Chris and Nic have turned the most challenging of personal situations into a powerful force for raising awareness, supporting others affected by melanoma, and giving back to their community. Melanoma New Zealand is honoured to be part of this fantastic event.”
More information about Melanoma New Zealand, The Split, and the Cockies & Tradies tournament can be found at www.melanoma.org.nz.
Turning Community Generosity into Frontline Care
The Dunstan Hospital Foundation’s share of the proceeds has enabled its first grant to the COHSL operating company, supporting the introduction of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) — an exciting step forward for rural healthcare delivery.
POCUS allows clinicians to carry out rapid, bedside ultrasound assessments, supporting faster decision‑making and improved patient outcomes. In a rural healthcare setting, where time and distance matter, access to this technology is genuinely transformative.
This grant reflects exactly what the Foundation exists to do: take generosity raised by the community and translate it into practical tools that support clinicians and patients, right here at home.
A First Grant, Powered by People
This milestone is not about a single event or individual, it is about people backing people.
It is about a community that shows up, leaders who lead quietly, and a shared belief that healthcare close to home matters.
Chris Flannery, Nic Jones, Melanoma New Zealand and the Dunstan Hospital Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible including players, auction donors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
This first grant marks the beginning of what the Foundation hopes will be many more community‑powered investments into healthcare across Central Otago.
This milestone shows just how powerful community can be.