
Among those present were Wauchope District Memorial Hospital Nurse Manager Kate Williams, and Julie Adams, representing Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Jen Rudd.
Wauchope Hospital Volunteers celebrate 80 years of service
Sep 11, 2024The Wauchope branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW celebrated its 80th anniversary this week with a luncheon at the Wauchope RSL Club, attended by more than 75 guests.
Among those present were State President of the UHA, Sally Cronberger, and State Treasurer, Dee Hunter, as well as Wauchope District Memorial Hospital Nurse Manager Kate Williams, and Julie Adams, representing Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Jen Rudd.
Guest speaker Kate Williams expressed gratitude to the volunteers and acknowledged the leadership of the new branch president, Barry Peters, who has taken the helm following the retirement of longtime president Winn Secombe.
“Winn, your 26 years of remarkable dedication and care as a volunteer, including 7 years as president, have enriched our community in so many ways. People like you set an example for us all,” Ms Williams said.
Reflecting on the Wauchope community’s spirit, Ms Williams emphasised the branch’s contributions over the past 80 years, particularly its impressive fundraising efforts.
“In the past decade alone, the Wauchope Hospital Volunteers has raised and donated an incredible $170,000! On behalf of the patients and the hospital community, I offer our deepest gratitude for all that you do.”
State President Sally Cronberger also addressed the gathering, which included volunteers from other community groups and representatives of local businesses, such as Hastings Co-op CEO Nick de Groot.
“You may be small in number, but you are big in heart,” she said, commending the Wauchope branch for recording the highest hours worked per member in a rural area for two of the past three years.
“It’s not just about the equipment donated, but the kindness shown. People remember the kindness,” Ms Cronberger said.
To mark the occasion, the State President and long-serving volunteer Margaret Andrews, who has dedicated 37 years to the hospital, cut the 80th birthday cake.
For more photos from the 80th anniversary luncheon, please click on the photo below and scroll through the images.
- Wauchope Hospital Volunteers president Barry Peters with UHA State President Sally Cronberger at the branch’s 80th birthday celebrations this week.
- Nurse Manager Kate Williams delivers her speech on the history of the UHA branch in Wauchope, the hospital and even some home-made remedies for common health problems which were used prior to the hospital opening.
- Former President Winn Secombe with Hastings Co-op Chief Executive Officer Nick de Groot and Business and Community Development Manager Tim Walker.
- Port Macquarie Pink Ladies were on hand to help their Wauchope friends celebrate an important milestone.
- Margaret Andrews, a member of the UHA for 37 years, cuts the birthday cake with UHA State President Sally Cronberger.
- Former branch president Roger Adams with members of the Wauchope and Port Macquarie UHA branches.
- Allan and Ann Thornton, who have each given more than 10 years’ service to the Wauchope Hospital Volunteers, enjoying the 80th birthday celebrations earlier this week.