So far, the annual event has raised over $80,000 in the last five years, with that figure expected to top $100,000 at the February event.

Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy is one of the event organisers saying the amount of charity money that comes out of the people in this town is amazing and it just keeps coming.

Preparations are now underway for the 2017 event with organisers, including Rugby League legend Peter Sterling, meeting at the Golf Club earlier this month to lock in the details.

“We have no doubt that the money raised is going to the right places and most importantly it’s staying in the region,” Mr Sterling said.

Pioneer House, Mudgee Hospital, Men’s Shed Mudgee and Mudgee Junior Golf have all benefited from this event. 

“Whilst we’re a charity event, the Mudgee Classic is a true golfing event and very serious on the golfing side of things,” Mr Sterling said.

“It’s a six-person ambrose event meaning everybody plays each hole but only two out of that six hit off on each hole. That adds a different element, if one person mucks up it puts a lot of pressure on the second player,”

“It makes for a much quicker day,” he said.

The golfing event is continuing to grow in popularity with a full 180 players set to tee off on the day.  

“As an organiser, one of the most satisfying things is having a full field each year and we’ve got teams in reserve waiting for a run.

“The people are great in Mudgee, they are really supportive and love golf,” Mr Sterling said.

Some past celebrities have been cricketer Geoff Lawson, INXS member Kirk Pengilly, league greats Nathan Hindmarsh, David Peachey, Mark Gasnier, Steve Menzies, Andrew Ryan and Steve Mortimer, comedian Vince Sorrenti, racing identity Malcolm “Miracle” Johnson, and Mudgee’s own TV star Ken Sutcliffe.

This year’s celebrities are yet to be announced.

But Mayor Des Kennedy said with the City v Country match on the next day at Glen Willow Stadium, they’re hoping for a couple of ex-wallabies players as guest speakers.

The Celebrity Classic is one of Mudgee’s major annual sporting events that continues to be well attended, raising much needed funds for locally nominated charities.

The 2017 event will be held at Mudgee Golf Club on Friday, February 3.