Melbourne Cup Calcutta a huge boost for surf club
Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club
The Melbourne Cup Cup Calcutta in support of the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club has generated more than $43,000 in cash prizes and donated $7,631 to the surf lifesaving club in the inaugural event.
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The club has sent its thanks to the Port Douglas business community and punters who supported it, adding that it had grown “well beyond our initial expectation and was incredibly well supported".
“It really emphasizes how great our community is, in getting behind events,’’ organising committee spokesperson Callum Jones said.
“The fact there were so many multiple charitable functions held across the shire is incredible. Having your support as well as other local businesses made this possible.’’
Plans are already being made to hold an improved Port Douglas Calcutta on Monday, November 2, 2026 and the continued support of local business would “take it to the next level’’.
“Next year we will be implementing improvements from feedback provided and make this event better still,’’ Callum said.
Ticket sales for the event started the Calcutta Pool with an incredible $17,500 pre auction. The auction raised a further $26,050 total, of which 50 per cent - $13,025 - was paid out to 24 lucky winners, and the remaining 50 per cent joining the total Calcutta Pool at $30,525.
From this total pool the following prizes were awarded:
| 1st place | $12,200 | |
| 2nd place | $6,105 | |
| 3rd place | $3,052.50 | |
| Last place | $1,526.25 | |
| PDSLSC | $7,631.25 |
In total terms, $43,550 was paid out and benefited the community directly.
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