THREE dedicated members of the Bega and District Nursing Home Auxiliary were honoured at a ceremony in the Hillgrove House Dining Room on Friday, July 31.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Edna Duncanson, Gillian Oates and Annette Warby were celebrated as having been founding members of the auxiliary 40 years ago.
Unfortunately due to illness, Ms Warby was unable to attend, but her daughter Pip Marshman represented her on the day.
“Today is a memorable day as we celebrate three citizens who have given their time to support our elderly over the last 40 years,” CEO of the Bega and District Nursing Home Jim Butterworth said.
Forty years ago the Bega and District Nursing Home Auxiliary was formed to raise funds for the erection, maintenance and equipping of the home and to assist the Frail Aged Committee in the provision and operation of accommodation for the aged.
The Frail Aged Committee was part of the Bega Municipal Council and the inaugural meeting convened by Alderman Edna Duncanson welcomed 42 persons present on August 1, 1975.
The names of Ms Duncanson, Ms Oates and Ms Warby stand out 40 years ago - and they are still very active in continuing the fundraising and support of our elderly citizens.
Other significant names from 1975 to ponder over are Gwen Moffitt, Ruby Gordon, Ms Hyland, Joan Sutton, Ms Thogersen, Lesley Wood, Mary Rogers, Dawn Page, Kay Rogers, Ms Wilshire, Betty Carroll, Claire Lupton, Ms Apps, Peg Howard, Esme Armstrong, Ms Kelly, Ms Gibbons, Ms Mason, Ms Williamson and Mrs Emerson.
The fundraising started at the very first meeting in 1975 for a concert by Warrigal Combined Brass Band from Victoria in the town hall, followed by a mixed American tennis tournament.
Further fundraising in the early 1970s and ’80s were from afternoon teas, street stalls, 200 club, pool party, market day, supper dance, raffles, music hall night, catering and fetes.
“When the Bega Municipal Council was owed money for a loan in 1979, the auxiliary assumed the obligation of paying the $5000 each year towards the interest, a feat they never deviated from - in fact, from my calculation they paid the sum of $50,000 over 10 years,” Mr Butterworth said.
“I speak on behalf of the many people who have benefited in having the facility we have today.
“Well done to the many ladies and gentlemen who have worked with, supported and fundraised in some fashion over past years.
“All I can say is Edna Duncanson, Gillian Oates and Annette Warby are exceptional women and a credit to our community.”
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Michael Britten, chairman of the Bega and District Nursing Home Phil Moffitt and the president of the auxiliary, Helen Slater, added their congratulations to the three women, plus flowers and gifts.
Ms Slater said she hoped the work done by the three women would encourage others to join the auxiliary, as it always needed new members - and hopefully young ones.
