He’s a golfer who often turns his clubs to charitable use by engaging in sponsored events – like taking part in marathon golf tournaments involving, in one case, 1,180 holes played over seven days and nights.

He once played 72 holes in just over four hours at a club in Sydney.

Over the past quarter century, it’s reckoned that Gary has raised more than $18 million for charities around Australia.

He is one of the 300 Australia Day Ambassadors whose role is described as “to inspire pride and celebration in hundreds of local communities across Australia.”

In 2004, Gary Dawson was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to Sport and Community Service.

He’s an old hand as an Australia Day Ambassador, having done each year since 2003.