“We had a very successful year,” Bega Auxiliary president Helen Slater said. 

“I’d like to thank everybody for their support.

“During the year we purchased six shower chairs and a mobile lifting machine because we have a no-lift policy in the nursing home.” 

She said this equipment, donated to Hillgrove House, was worth $13,000. 

Funding has been raised from bookstalls, wreath making and a “lot” of catering.

“If anyone would like to get involved, please ring, we can always do with another pair of hands,” Ms Slater said.

The auxiliary is planning to donate to a big development at Hillgrove House, installing another 20 beds which will hopefully be finished by 2016. 

They are also aiming to put ceiling lifts in every room at the nursing home, which are worth $10,000 each.

As a result of the AGM the same people held onto the same positions, however Ms Slater welcomed two new members, Barbara Chambers and Julie Alcock. 

She also made note of members who had been in the auxiliary since it formed in 1975 - Gillian Oates, Edna Duncanson, and Annette Warby who had been the treasurer since its inception.

To be sold at their summer bookstall in Tathra, the auxiliary welcomed donations of any holiday reading or children’s books which can be left at Hillgrove House or if that is too difficult by contacting Ms Slater to organise a collection. 

The next fundraiser the auxiliary have is a Melbourne Cup High Tea held from 2pm, November 4 at 71 Finucane Lane, Bega and bookings will be essential. 

If anyone is interested in joining the auxiliary or want to book their place at the high tea, contact Helen Slater on 0427 339 064.