Hillgrove House board member Helen Slater congratulated everyone involved. 

“It is a great place to work, a great place to be involved with,” she said. 

The residents had decorated the room themselves, which looked a treat.

Coloured artworks depicting candles and cakes lit up the walls, and streamers, party hats, balloons and flowers added festivity to the tables.

As part of the celebration, staff were presented with certificates for long service.

Certificates for five years of service were presented to Gilbert Mitchell, Vicki Sant, Narelle Spence, Diane Stafford, Debbie Tacilauskas and Shiralee Wall.

Awarded for 10 years of service were Kerry McKenzie, Janice O’Halloran, Joy Smiles and Jenny Umbers.

A 15 years of service award was presented to Karen Tett.

A special gold framed certificate for 25 years of service was made for Kathryn McPaul.

After the presentation, a special birthday cake was cut to the tune of Happy Birthday and other festive songs.

Hillgrove House provides high level aged care and works in conjunction with The Oaks retirement village and Casuarina Hostel.

The facilities rely on fundraising and donations to operate.

 “The auxiliary provides much-needed equipment, which we don’t get government funding for,” Bega and District Nursing Home CEO Jim Butterworth said.

“We rely on donations to keep going, which are all tax deductable of course.”

Mrs Slater added that it would be great if more family members were involved in the auxiliary.

“It’s a very interesting thing to be involved in,” she said.

“I encourage people to be involved, as it’s very rewarding.”