DUNGOG Day Care Centre was the venue for the August meeting of the Dungog branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW.
On the third Wednesday of each month from March through November, the group gathers at 1.30pm for a cuppa and chat before the meeting begins at 2pm.
At present the Auxiliary currently has 16 members.
A fundraising powerhouse, this local group raised over $140,000 between 2014 and 2024.
Members will run three raffles and three street stalls this year to raise money to purchase items needed at the hospital.
Stalls and raffles have always been held on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
For the first time in 2025, there will be a third stall held at Dungog’s Christmas street party.
To identify and prioritise which items to purchase, Auxiliary members consult with doctors and nursing staff.
The resulting “wish lists” have included items as diverse as lifting systems, medical machinery and special chairs and beds.
All the items provided by the Auxiliary are not supplied by the government.
The United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW formed in 1933 and there are now 166 branches with over 3700 volunteers.
A previous organisation, known as “The Dungog First Hospital Auxiliary”, supported the establishment of a cottage hospital in 1892.
The hospital moved to new premises in 1984, with the current Auxiliary formed in 1987, instigated by then-Matron Paula Rendell.
The first President, and a founding member of this organisation was Bev Irwin, who remains a member today.
Secretary Judy Steer told News Of The Area the Dungog community is “very, very generous” and encourages locals to get involved.
She emphasised that new members are always most welcome.
To join, or for more information, please leave a message for Judy on 041631875.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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