Blue Ribbon Foundation

Ararat Branch embarks on new project for the Ararat Hospital 

The Ararat Branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is undertaking a new project to raise $200,000 over the next five years for the Peri-operative Unit (Operating Theatre) at the Ararat Hospital.

Recently, East Grampians Health Service Board of Management accepted the offer by the Ararat Branch to take on another fundraising project following on from the Branches commitment to raise $150,000 for the John McNally Medical Imaging Department.

With the support of the Ararat Branches major partner, the AMP Foundation, the Emmerson Financial Group and the ongoing community generosity the target has been met ahead of schedule.

East Grampians Health Service's Peri-operative Unit is a ‘state of the art' facility, however with the increase of visiting surgeons utilising the theatres, and the growing surgery services now available there is a need to purchase additional surgical equipment so all these additional operations can be undertaken.  Initial priority is supporting the Ophthalmology Service with the purchase of a new $45,000 microscope that will assist the increasing service, and will be used in theatre for cataract operations. This essential equipment, in addition to other surgical equipment identified, will be purchased as required over the next five years.

The first major fundraiser for the Peri-operative Unit will be the ninth annual Gala ‘Night of Nights' to be held on Friday 29th May, with loyal supporters already booking for this very popular event.

The Ararat Branches major partner the AMP Foundation and Emmerson Financial Group have again stepped up and have pledged a $10,000 donation towards this new project, and together with the proceeds of the forthcoming fundraising event this will be a great start.

Since 2002 the Ararat Branch has worked tirelessly for the health service with funds donated now reaching close to $500,000. This has gone towards the Emergency Department, Helipad and Medical Imaging Department with all areas dedicated to the memory of Sgt John McNally who was killed on the goldfields at Cathcart via Ararat in 1856.

The Branch still has a number of inaugural members including Terry Weeks, Tim Andrew, Rod McKenzie, Peter McIntosh, Stuart Kerr and Dianne Radford. Over recent times new members have added depth to Branch with Peter Hawkins, Stephen Chapple and Jodie Holwell coming on board. 

The latest appointment of Sgt Paul Kelly as a member adds to his police youth work and the involvement with the Blue Ribbon ‘Spirit of Football' in the Mininera League, which has further grown this year to include the under 16 netballers. In addition Jess Baird has joined the Branch, and other than being the Branches first ‘young ambassador', also is a nurse in the Peri-operative Unit.

Ararat Branch President Terry Weeks in confirming the new project said; "The Ararat Branch is pleased that it can continue its fundraising commitment to East Grampians Health Service and the Peri-operative Unit is an extension our continued support so the health service can provide the best facilities for the community. Pleasingly the Ararat Branch continues to attract enthusiastic new members, and together with ongoing commitment by the AMP Foundation, Emmerson Financial Group and the community we will be able to continue our support to the health service."

In praising the community, Terry said: "Ararat & District is a spontaneous and generous community who have embraced the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation - Ararat Branch. With their ongoing support, we the 11 members of the Ararat Branch can continue our vision to support the Ararat Hospital, in memory of police killed in line of duty."

Ararat Branch Members

  • Terry Weeks (President)
  • Tim Andrew
  • Stephen Chapple
  • Rod McKenzie
  • Stuart Kerr
  • Peter McIntosh
  • Dianne Radford
  • Peter Hawkins
  • Jodie Holwell
  • Jess Baird
  • Paul Kelly
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