Golfing for answers the world needs

Aleisha Wrigley is fighting for a cure for cancer through one of her favourite passions … golf!

Aleisha Wrigley is passionate about golf, playing as often as she can with her partner and family at Korumburra Golf Club. She recently organised The Longest Day at KGC, and whilst one might think Aleisha can’t get enough of the game, there was actually a very heartfelt message behind the event, as she explains.

Interviewer: Alright, I’m here with Aleisha Wrigley. The Longest Day Golf event was a great success for Korumburra. How much money did you raise?

Aleisha: We raised over $1,800, which was fantastic. We sold nearly $700 worth of raffle tickets, made about $200 from the hole-in-one competition, and received generous donations as well. We’re really grateful for all the support.  

Interviewer: What inspired you to organise this event?  

Aleisha: I’ve wanted to do it for the last few years. There’s been a lot of illness in my family, and I wanted to honour the family members I’ve lost.  

Interviewer: Through cancer?  

Aleisha: Yes. My stepbrother passed away in 2019 at 18, and my stepdad died from cancer in 2020. Now, my aunt and grandpa are also battling it.  

Interviewer: Where will the money raised go?  

Aleisha: It will primarily go toward cancer research, but it also helps cover staff costs and ensures patients have a better experience during treatment.

Interviewer: Will you run the event again next year?  

Aleisha: Absolutely! A lot of people have already said they want to be involved again. It’s definitely going to be a regular event on our calendar.  

Aleisha during her time in Melbourne graduating from university. She is now back where she feels she really belongs, Korumburra!

Interviewer: You’re a school teacher, right? Primary or secondary?  

Aleisha: Secondary. I teach Health and PE at Mary McKillop Catholic Regional College in Lerongatha. I’ve been there for a year now.  

Interviewer: Did you grow up in Korumburra?  

Aleisha: I was in Korumburra when I was younger, then moved to Leongatha for primary and secondary school. Now, I’m back in Korumburra. I love the area—it has such a welcoming, community feel. I’m part of local groups like the cricket team and the golf club, and everyone is really supportive.  

Interviewer: You mentioned spending time in Melbourne for uni. What didn’t you like about it?  

Aleisha: It was too busy and fast-paced. It was harder to make meaningful connections there.  

Interviewer: Korumburra has changed over the years. Do you see that as a good or bad thing?  

Aleisha: In a good way. It’s getting busier, but businesses are thriving. There are nice cafes and shops downtown now—it’s becoming the place to be.  

Interviewer: As a school teacher, what gets you out of bed every day and puts a smile on your face?  

Aleisha: The connections with everyone at school. I love getting to know the students and supporting them in their sporting endeavors. That’s what keeps me going.  

Interviewer: What makes you happy as an individual?  

Thanks to her “The Longest Day” golf event in January, Aleisha has raised $1800 to help find answers and provide support to cancer victims and families.

Aleisha: Family connections, for sure. Keeping up with the little ones, like Tom and Billie (Wrigley), and their golf journeys. Also, staying active in my own sports and trying to do my best all the time.  

Interviewer: Do you see yourself as a young leader?  

Aleisha: I would say so. This event was the first one I’ve ever organised, and I hope to take on a leadership role at school one day.  

Interviewer: What does leadership mean to you?  

Aleisha: The ability to make positive changes and decisions. There are different types of leaders—wellbeing leaders, curriculum leaders, and roles at the golf club. I want to find meaningful things to do and do them well.  

Interviewer: When you get home from school, what’s your go-to meal?  

Aleisha: Chicken schnitzel. We usually make it homemade, but sometimes we buy it if we’re feeling lazy.  

Interviewer: What are your household jobs?  

Aleisha: I handle the laundry, and my partner Zac does a lot of the cooking. I help out with cleaning and cooking too. We just support each other—it’s not strictly divided.  

Interviewer: Do you love life?  

Aleisha: Yes!  

Interviewer: On a scale of 1 to 10?  

Aleisha: I’d say a 9. Despite everything I’ve been through, I try to see the best in everything.  

Interviewer: What would make it a 10?  

Aleisha: If cancer didn’t exist.  

Interviewer: Well, you’re already working toward that. Congratulations on the event, and thank you for sharing your story.  

Aleisha: Thank you!