Secretary Carole Peters holds the Eleanor MacKinnon Trophy, presented to the UHA branch that volunteered the most hours per member in rural and regional NSW in 2023. With her is Acting Nurse Manager Nez Cook, President Win Secombe, Secretary Margaret Mostyn, North East Regional Representative Dee Hunter, and hospital volunteers from Wauchope, the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie.

State award for our Wauchope Hospital volunteers

Dec 11, 2023

Wauchope Hospital Volunteers have been honoured with a United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW award recognising their hard work in support of Wauchope District Memorial Hospital, its patients, and staff.

The Auxiliary has been honoured with the Eleanor MacKinnon Trophy, presented to the UHA branch that volunteered the most hours per member in rural and regional NSW.

In 2023, the prestigious award went to Wauchope, where the volunteers, known far and wide for their monthly fundraising stalls in the IGA car park, worked an astonishing 15,053 hours.

In presenting the award to President Win Secombe and her team, North East Regional Representative Dee Hunter said she suspected the volunteers had given much more than they had declared, thanking the UHA members for their dedication.

“This is such a significant award – most hours worked by a country auxiliary in 2023, and I can’t tell you how proud I am,” Ms Hunter said.

“You work so hard, making a significant contribution to Wauchope Hospital, which I know really appreciates your efforts, as do we (UHA State Executive).”

The branch also received merit awards for raising more than $20,000 last financial year, and a merit certificate for raising more than $500 net per member.

Acting Nurse Manager Nez Cook also congratulated the volunteers on their recognition.

“Our entire team at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital is indebted to you. We are humbled by your support and thankful for it as it helps us to improve patient care and wellbeing.

“You are amazing.”

President Win Secombe said the award also belonged to the community.

“Wauchope is a very generous community, and that generosity is evident in any fundraising activities in support of their hospital,” Mrs Secombe said.

“In acknowledging the hard work of our wonderful hospital volunteers, I also want to acknowledge  the support of our community.”

The presentations culminated in recognition of two members, Allan and Ann Thornton, who received their 10 years’ service medals.

Also attending the special presentation were Camden Haven UHA delegates, President Jennifer Lucey, and Bron Guymer, as well as Port Macquarie Pink Ladies President Gabby Gregory.