The Glen Innes Hospital Auxiliary bought nearly $44,000 of equipment for the local hospital last financial year. It also earned two merit awards from the state’s United Hospital Auxiliaries body, for generating more than $500 of donations per member and for breaching the $20,000 fundraising threshold. The members contributed a combined total of 2213 volunteer hours.
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These announcements drew a warm round of applause from the community members gathered for the auxiliary’s annual general meeting on Friday at the hospital. The auxiliary continues to receive substantial donations from community bodies, notably $20,000 from the Glen Innes Opportunity Shop, more than $3000 from last year’s Glen Innes High School Year 12 charity day, and more than $2000 of proceeds from the Glen Innes Community Christmas Luncheon.
Community donations to the auxiliary totalled $34,668.25. More money came from the auxiliary’s own raffles, bake sales and vending machines.
A cleanout of unused and obsolete hospital equipment netted the group more than $4000, turning old equipment into new as the auxiliary contributed towards giving the hospital a full complement of electric beds with the state government funding the final three. There’s always an ongoing need for more upgrades, with electric air mattresses, new furnishings for the Quiet Room and the downstairs waiting room, first floor air conditioning , completion of the Palliative Care Ward and head phones for front office staff still on the auxiliary’s hit list, not to mention a new helipad. (See page one story.)
Auxiliary president Jan Sharman said the group was sad to farewell to two long-serving members. Claire West who organised the Meals On Wheels roster, among other duties, has relocated to Mackay and auxiliary secretary Sandra Kiehne puts up her pen as she sets her sights on travel.
On a more positive note the auxiliary welcomed two new members: Venneta Lewis who takes on the job of secretary and Elizabeth McCarthy who is the new treasurer. Mrs Sharman said she welcomed the enthusiasm and new ideas that come with these younger members.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall commended Mrs McCarthy on turning in a surplus in her first year in office, suggesting that she should be seconded to Canberra.
“She’s the best treasurer in the country,” he said.
Money aside, he said it’s not possible to put a dollar figure on the support the auxiliary gives to the hospital.
“Glen Innes is truly a community where everyone puts their shoulder to the wheel,” he said.
Mrs Sharman presented a Glen Innes District Hospital pen to Mr Marshall to serve as a constant reminder of the need for local funding. In light of recent events in state parliament involving campaign funding, kickbacks and resignations, however, he jokingly insisted on paying $5 for it.
“Today it’s a pen. Tomorrow it’s a bottle of Grange,” he quipped.
A member of the audience took the opportunity to ask the MP if the two politicians who resigned as a result of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation would still receive large superannuation payouts. He confirmed that MPs who entered parliament post-2005 made standard superannuation contributions and were covered by the same rules as other taxpayers on when they can access that money.
“There are no more gold cards for former politicians,” he said, much to the approval of the audience.
As the auxiliary presented certificates of appreciation to their donors, several groups also took the opportunity to contribute to this year’s tally. The Uniting Church Quilting Group, represented by Barbara Card and Val King, donated $2000 from its successful Quilt Show in May. Glen Innes Weight Watchers Group, represented by Susan Craig also handed over a cheque for $250.
