Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies Heather Hardwick, Jennifer Murphy and Narelle Soles proudly display the UHA awards presented at the UHA’s State Conference in Sydney.

Volunteers celebrate achievements at UHA State Conference

Nov 05, 2024

Delegates from the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW gathered in Sydney for the 91st Annual State Conference, where it was announced that UHA branches across the Mid North Coast have contributed an outstanding $713,478 in medical equipment and patient comfort items to their local public hospitals the past year.

In addition, volunteers, known at some hospitals as “Pink Ladies,” donated a remarkable 50,555 hours of their time to support patients and staff across seven Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD).

This exceptional dedication, documented as part of UHA’s governance reporting, was celebrated by hundreds of delegates, from Bowraville to Broken Hill, who attended the conference at Bankstown Sports Club, including 15 delegates representing Mid North Coast branches.

MNCLHD Acting Chief Executive Jill Wong expressed gratitude for the significant contributions of UHA volunteers.

“Our hospital volunteers are an integral part of our health family on the Mid North Coast. Their dedication is invaluable; they give so much of themselves to support others. We are deeply grateful for their countless hours, generosity, and the vital equipment they donate.”

UHA North Eastern Regional Representative Dee Hunter echoed this appreciation, describing the conference as an inspiring gathering of like-minded individuals dedicated to supporting their communities.

“I could not be any prouder of our North Eastern branches. Their commitment shines through in the hours they volunteer, the funds they raise, and their acts of kindness,” she said.

The conference also honoured branches for exceptional achievements.

The Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies received the prestigious Honor Bell for the most money raised (gross) by a country auxiliary.  In total, the Coffs Harbour branch donated $494,132.82 to Coffs Harbour Health Campus to June 30, 2024, primarily funded through the dedicated efforts of its café volunteers.

The branch was also rewarded with the Lillian B Date Memorial Trophy for the most money raised (net) by a country auxiliary and the Sir Norman Rock Rose Bowl for the most money raised (net) per member by a country auxiliary (more than $9000 per member).

Wauchope Hospital Volunteers earned the prestigious Eleanor MacKinnon Trophy for the second consecutive year, recognising the highest hours worked per member by a country auxiliary. Their 22 members collectively volunteered an extraordinary 15,195 hours to support Wauchope District Memorial Hospital.

Ms Wong congratulated the Coffs Harbour and Wauchope branches on their well-deserved awards and extended heartfelt thanks to every volunteer for their unwavering service to MNCLHD hospitals and patients.