The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic 2013

There are only 12 days to go before in excess of 200 golfers descend on the NSW Hunter Valley to take a coveted spot in an event they wait for all year, The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic.

Preparations are being made at the stunning Cypress Lakes Resort. This is the one time of the year, when the most unlikely group of sponsors, celebrities and both pro and amateur golfers combine to create the ultimate three days of world class golf, music, entertainment and memories that will be recounted to friends and family for years to come.

Anyone who has been to the event over the years agrees on one thing, Jack sure knows how to throw a party. For that reason, there are players who return any chance they get. 2013 is no exception. NRL great Wally Lewis, Ch 9 House Husbands cast mates Gary Sweet, Gyton Grantley and Rhys Muldoon, Ian -Dicko' Dickson, comedian Tommy Dean and Wendell Sailor will all be playing again this year, as will former Prime Minister and Patron of the event Bob Hawke.

This spectacular mix of players, come together to raise money for two causes close to the heart of their host, Jack Newton. Diabetes education and prevention and Jack Newton Junior Golf, a program which has produced star players like Sarah Kemp, Jake Higginbottom and 2012 classic winner Brendan Smith

Newton often describes diabetes as a deadly pandemic. As in the case of Danii Meads-Barlow, who had just begun her HSC exams when she lost her battle with Type 1 Diabetes in 2011.

Since her passing a foundation has been set up to raise much needed funds for technology to help combat what is referred to as the "dead in bed" syndrome. Set up to alert parents and carers when their loved ones are in trouble, particularly in their sleep when they are unable to ask for help. This year funds will go directly to the Danii Meads-Barlow Foundation to help make that technology available to as many families as possible.

The tournament has raised over 3.5 million dollars. The event itself is in its 35th year, although after Jack's accident in 1983, the event was renamed after him and the then current Prime Minister Bob Hawke came on board as the patron, a role he still holds to this day. The Former Prime Minister's enthusiastic rendition of Waltzing Matilda sung at the Sponsors' Cabaret Dinner is legendary among the regular attendees.

Some other new blood is also joining the exclusive group including stars of the Ch 10 hit show Wonderland', Michael Dorman, Glenn McMillan, Tim Ross and Ben Mingay, league legend and broadcaster Phil "Gus" Gould and star of Blue Heelers and Wentworth, Martin Sacks.

There will be regular updates on The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic facebook page, where you can grab a slice of the history and keep up to date with the latest news or you can follow us on twiitter JackNewtonCC.