HUGE crowds descended on the Tea Gardens Country Club on Easter Saturday (April 16) for the annual Charity Pig Races, in support of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club and the NSW Variety Bash.

Now in its sixth year, the races were a huge hit with locals and visitors alike, with the event raising $12,000 for the Surf Club and $3000 for Variety.

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Warren Gooley, the General Manager at the Country Club, said the Club was “proud as punch” to be able to support the event.

“It is a great day,” Warren said.

“This was the best day and the best crowd we have had yet.

“We couldn’t be happier.”

There was something on offer for everyone in attendance, with droves of eager punters lining the fences of the pig racing arena throughout the day.

The thoroughbred racing pics, supplied by Noah’s Farm, traversed the tight corners of the racing track with surprising speed and agility, drawing roars of support from the boisterous crowd.

Kids were entertained with face painting and clown performances, while brave souls tried their luck on the mechanical bull.

Refreshments were enjoyed from the Country Club bar, with great food on offer from The Garden Eatery.

“It is well supported, and the kids have a great day,” Warren said.

“We want it to be a day that people don’t feel they have to come to, but instead really want to come to.

“We had a lot more kids this year which was great, and everyone was very well behaved,” he said.

The day was very well supported by a range of local businesses, with Race Day Sponsors including Barry Bros Butchery, Datrys Tech, Myall Coast Realty, Pixel Pest Control, Purcell Mount Solicitors, Rod Morrison Gyprock Services, Woody’s Building and Garden Centre, Win TV and the Country Club.

Amanda Osmond, Junior Activities Coordinator, Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club said, “The money raised from the Pig Races will better the Nippers program, purchase four new rescue boards, improve our radios and communications, purchase new first aid kits, purchase new shade gazebos and provide much needed training resources.

“The club would like to thank the many generous patrons and the Tea Gardens Country Club for their ongoing support.

“This fundraising allows us to do what we do best and keep people safe on our beach.

“See you all at the beach,” said Amanda.

Event sponsor Rod Morrison said, “It is a great fundraiser for the Surf Club to support the Nippers programs and everything else.

“It is an unbelievable crowd that comes here, it’s awesome.

“To have this here on an Easter weekend and see how the community can come together is really special.

“The Country Club can’t be given enough applause,” he said.

Rod highlighted the key role that the Surf Life Saving Club plays in the area.

“This money helps the club buy equipment, and the club really supports the growth of young people in the club and in the community.

“The club helps protect our locals and the visitors who come to our community.”