And, weeks' end, it will be known if Michael Bell has successfully defended the title as the best Aboriginal golfer in the nation which he won in 2008 at the Nudgee Golf Club in Queensland and before that in 2005 and 2006.

Michael comes from Campbelltown, NSW and is well known among many golfing circles as he has participated for many years in the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation Tournament at The Oaks and currently plays of a handicap of plus one with the NSW Golf Club.

The Nationals started on Monday with the celebrities and sponsors’ day, attended by some Australia’s best known Aboriginal sporting identities including Nova Peris, Evonne Goolagong, Syd Jackson, George Rose, David Peachey, Timana Tahu, Mal Cochrane and Robbie O’Davis.

NSW Aboriginal Golf Incorporated Treasurer, Michael Ridgeway, said: "It is great that our Aboriginal sporting identities were able to attend the day as they have proved that with the dedication, commitment and passion you can succeed at the highest levels of any sporting code.

“It is these principles that we at NSW Aboriginal Golf In are hoping to instill in our younger generation and that they be measured as golfers through their skill and the manner in which they conduct themselves not simply on the basis of their Aboriginality."

Mr. Ridgeway said he also wanted to take the opportunity to personally thank the local Cessnock businesses that have kindly made donations of support and Country Energy as the major sponsor.