Emily Clark, The Naracoorte News
On March 29 this year, the inaugural Hynam Woolshed Black Tie Ball was held at the iconic Hynam Woolshed, generously provided by the Schultz family, to raise funds for the local branch of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), and to provide a special occasion to bring our community together.
It was a night enjoyed by close to 200 guests, with the tickets initially selling out in less than 24-hours, which had its organisers, the newly formed Naracoorte Rural Women’s Association (NRWA), stunned and thrilled.
The NRWA is a not-for-profit incorporated association which was set up by eight local women in August 2024 with the purpose of fundraising for charities vital to our local community and in doing so, connecting people in rural areas.
The group has been awestruck by the generosity of the local community for their contributions through sponsorship, donation of goods, and volunteering, which led to the overall amount of $41,000 being raised for the Naracoorte branch of the RFDS.
Memorable features enhancing the heritage listed 1850s woolshed included a 1938 Case tractor, and an impressive floral display by Harriet Mort at Blomme Flora. Guests enjoyed food by Gather on Gordon, and vocals by musicians Sarah Hinge and Shaun Brown. A live auction was also held where guests could bid for unique, and high-value items, presented by local auctioneers Craig Gill, Digby Schinckel, and Josh Pahl.
The night would not have been possible without the many sponsors, in particular gold level partners, South Australian Livestock (SAL), PPHS, Wild Game Wines, Farm Finance & Co, Southeast Marine & Motorcycles, Southeast Ford, Argyle Travel and Cruise, Tallageira Pastoral and Hynam Park Proprietors.
President of the newly formed NRWA, Philippa Schinckel said the association was happy with the amount raised at its first-ever charity event.
“It was an absolutely incredible evening with so many people and local businesses contributing,” Mrs Schinckel said.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a lifeline for those of us living in rural and remote areas, and a charity close to our hearts with a number of committee members using the service either for themselves, their children or close family members.
“I would like to acknowledge committee members Sophie Schinckel, Lauren Heffernan, Cassie Parsons, Emily Clark, Georgia Gill, Emma Mehlhopt, and Genevieve Porter whose time and commitment over the last 12 months had ensured the event’s success.
“Their dedication to the event and to such a vital charitable cause has made a meaningful impact in our local community, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
“On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every business and individual who supported this event in any capacity.
“Whether you volunteered your time, sponsored the event, made a donation or purchased a ticket, we could not have achieved this without you.”
Mrs Schinckel said after all the effort put in by the group, they were taking a little break, and excited to announce that they will be back with another event planned for 2027.
This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 18 June 2025.
