By Bonny Burrows
St John of God Berwick Hospital’s Christmas luncheon was not only a celebration of the past year, but an exciting look at the future.
The 29 November luncheon, held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, was the volunteer group’s last meeting of the year.
The group of 50 older women, who support the Berwick hospital by fund-raising for vital equipment, gathered for a Christmas lunch to reflect on their efforts over the past 12 months.
They were joined by another 110 supporters and hospital representatives, including the event’s guest speaker Lisa Evans, the director of nursing at St John of God Berwick Hospital.
Auxiliary spokesperson Anne Crockett described the celebration as a “great day with a great turnout”.
She said the group had a productive 2017, with the successful fund-raising of money for the purchase of oncology chairs and the funding of education for the hospital’s second specialist breast care nurse.
The opening of the new hospital in January next year was also a hot conversation topic following the group’s private tour of the new facility in late November.
Ms Crockett said the impending opening was an exciting time for the auxiliary and hospital community.
“Everyone’s looking forward to the new hospital. We had a tour … and it looks fantastic,” Ms Crockett said.
She believes the auxiliary’s job will increase with the new, larger hospital.
While the group was up for the job, Ms Crockett said more hands were always welcomed and encouraged those interested in joining the group in its fund-raising efforts to give her a call on 9707 3425.
The group meets monthly at Stephenson House, Gibb Street, Berwick.
