Members of the Dorrigo branch of the UHA hosted a highly successful regional forum yesterday, and were thanked for their extraordinary hospitality. Pictured are the Dorrigo members with (left) Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick, (right) Dorrigo Multi Purpose Service Nurse Manager Lynn Forsyth, (front from left) State Treasurer Dee Hunter, Dorrigo President Lizzy Bennett and State President Sally Cronberger. UHA Life Member (front right) Nita McKnight joined the Dorrigo branch in 1957 – a remarkable 67 years ago. She was branch president for 23 years, treasurer for nine years and secretary for 13 years.

Volunteers converge on Dorrigo for UHA’s regional forum

Listen

Mar 05, 2024

More than 40 dedicated volunteers from across the Mid North Coast gathered in Dorrigo on Monday for the highly anticipated United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW North Eastern Regional Forum.

Representing almost 400 UHA volunteers serving in Mid North Coast hospitals from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie and west to Dorrigo, the forum marks a significant collaboration aimed at advancing healthcare support in the region.

In the past financial year alone, these tireless volunteers collectively contributed more than 60,000 hours of service to their respective hospitals, embodying the spirit of community and selflessness. Their efforts also resulted in remarkable donations totalling $457,885.01, buying essential hospital equipment that enhances patient care and comfort.

The Regional Forum serves as a platform for volunteers to exchange insights, share ideas, and foster friendship among like-minded individuals committed to making a difference in healthcare delivery.

“This gathering underscores the invaluable contributions of our volunteers and the collective strength of our auxiliary branches,” said Lizzy Bennett, president of the Dorrigo UHA branch which hosted the forum.

“Their dedication and generosity resonate deeply within our communities, embodying the essence of compassion and kindness.”

Also attending the forum was the UHA’s State President Sally Cronberger, who congratulated the North Eastern UHA volunteers on a stella year.

“The branch members’ dedication and selfless giving of their time is nothing short of amazing,” Ms Cronberger said.

“The support UHA members have given their local health facilities over the past 90 years attests to the calibre of these treasures.

“I take this opportunity to thank Dorrigo branch for hosting the 2024 forum, for their hospitality to myself and State Treasurer Dee Hunter is very much appreciated as we realise the organisation that goes into hosting an event such as this.”

Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick also addressed the delegates to thank them for their outstanding contributions to local public hospitals.

“I would like to say to our 389 UHA members in the Local Health District that your collective achievements are a testament to your selflessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving others,” Mr Dowrick said.

“Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the impact you have made on our hospitals and the communities we serve is truly immeasurable.

“This significant contribution enhances the quality of care we provide to our patients and ensures our healthcare facilities remain at the forefront of medical excellence.

“Each hour you spend volunteering, each donation you make, is confirmation of your unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of others.”

Two volunteers were recognised at the forum with 20-year service badges being presented to Dorrigo UHA members Sandra McGuire and Shirley Tyson.

To volunteer at any of the Mid North Coast’s UHA branches, please email Sharon.fuller1@health.nsw.gov.au.

About United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW

The United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW is a network of dedicated volunteers committed to supporting hospitals and healthcare facilities across New South Wales. Through fundraising in hospital cafes and on street raffles, advocacy, and community engagement, including Pink Ladies in hospital wards and community health centres, the organisation strives to enhance patient care, comfort, and wellbeing.

Click on the image below to scroll through more photos.

: Terrific trio Pat Major, Colleen Waterson and President Maxine Walker represented the Kempsey UHA and Pink Ladies at the North Eastern Regional Forum.

: Dorrigo UHA Branch President Lizzy Bennett with Coffs Clinical Network Coordinator and Coffs Harbour Health Campus General Manager Lydia Dennett.

: Sandra McGuire, who was Dorrigo branch president for more than 10 years, receives her 20-year service badge and a bouquet of locally grown flowers from Dorrigo President Lizzy Bennett.

: Dorrigo President Lizzy Bennett with Dorrigo’s Shirley Tyson, who was presented her 20-year service badge as a UHA volunteer.

: Bellingen President Waveney Ayscough and hardworking executive committee members Carol Gibson and Deb Anderson, who enjoyed the chance to network with other UHA delegates at the UHA forum.

: State Treasurer and BowraMacksville UHA Branch Treasurer Dee Hunter with fellow branch committee members Susan Hedgecoe, President Lorraine Edmondson, and Jan Tinson.

: Coffs Harbour President Helen Mears with her extraordinary team of June Curry, Heather Hardwick and Val Ide at the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW North Eastern Regional Forum in Dorrigo.

: Nambucca UHA’s dynamic duo Treasurer Keith Parkin and President Michelle O’Keefe enjoyed the chance to catch up with other hospital volunteers at the annual North Eastern forum, held this year in Dorrigo.

: Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick thanks new UHA volunteer, and Wauchope Hospital Volunteers’ delegate Susan Vogel for her branch’s extraordinary volunteering efforts on behalf of Wauchope District Memorial Hospital.

: Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick addresses the UHA delegates at the forum in Dorrigo yesterday.

: Dorrigo President Lizzy Bennett with State Treasurer Dee Hunter and State President Sally Cronberger.