Burdekin Netball’s ‘Wigs and Wine’ Fundraiser a Cut Above the Rest

The Burdekin Netball Association held its fundraising evening “Wigs and Wine” on Friday, 29th August, drawing strong community support for a cause that blended entertainment, awareness, and local pride.

160 guests embraced the theme by arriving with wigs already on, filling the venue with colour and character. A glass of champagne on arrival and a hearty dinner set the stage for the evening, which combined light-hearted fun with a meaningful purpose.

The main focus of the event was the Ponytail Project, run in association with the Cancer Council. This initiative encourages participants to cut and donate their ponytails so they can be used to create wigs for people experiencing hair loss during cancer treatment. On the night, nine women volunteered to “get the chop:” Aimee Gibson, Kristine Patti, Jade Bolam, Brittany Bohl, Dominique Gorey, Cailin Gosling, Ella Zabel, Tayla McKaig and Tayah Gibson. Volunteers managed to raise $13,000, drawing a strong applause from supporters and provided a moving reminder of the impact small acts can have for those facing difficult health challenges.

The Burdekin Netball Association was pleased to welcome Cancer Council representative Teagan Marsden, who travelled from Townsville to support the initiative and acknowledge the community’s contribution. Her presence reinforced the broader significance of the Ponytail Project and the value of local fundraising efforts in supporting those living with cancer.

The practical side of the ponytail donations was made possible thanks to Amber Kelly of Lace Creative, who generously donated her hairdressing expertise and equipment on the night. Her contribution ensured the process ran smoothly and added a professional touch that made the evening more memorable for both the participants and the audience.

In addition to the ponytail donations, guests were kept busy with a cent sale raffle and a money board, which generated plenty of excitement while adding to the funds raised. Every dollar from the evening’s activities went directly toward supporting the Burdekin Netball Association’s 2025 Harvest Festival Queen entrant, Aaliyah Gibson.

The Harvest Festival Queen competition has long been a highlight of the Burdekin calendar, with entrants representing local clubs, businesses, and community organisations. Each entrant is tasked with running fundraising activities in the lead-up to the annual festival, with funds going back into their sponsoring organisation and into the festival itself. For the Burdekin Netball Association, supporting Gibson’s campaign not only raises the profile of the sport locally but also strengthens their role in the wider community.

Organisers were quick to acknowledge the efforts behind the scenes that made the night possible. The Burdekin Netball committee, together with Sheree McKaig and Shalon Gibson, were all recognised for their combined contribution in ensuring the smooth running and overall success of the event.

Events such as “Wigs and Wine” showcase the ability of local clubs to unite the community while contributing to larger causes. The combination of support for the Ponytail Project and fundraising for the Harvest Festival reflects the Burdekin’s tradition of giving back, where social gatherings double as opportunities to make a lasting difference.

Photos by Madison Mainwaring-Samwell and Carlene Muilwyk

Article by Carlene Muilwyk

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Tracey Young, Carlene Muilwyk, Lynnie McLaughlin, Gloria Vass
Zara Frost, Katerina Samios, Ella Logan, Aoife O'Dwyer
Danielle Kaminski, Sheryn Woods, Susan Catanzaro
Tayla McKaig having her hair cut by friends Lily Arrate and Sarah Kirke
Back L-R - Aimee Gibson, Kristine Patti, Jade Bolam, Aaliyah Gibson, Brittany Bohl, Dominique Gorey Front L-R - Cailin Gosling, Ella Zabel, Tayla McKaig, Tayah Gibson

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