val awarded for 45 years of volunteering

East Grampians Health Service has recognised the work and support of its 150 volunteers at the 20th Volunteer Service Recognition Awards, including an incredible 45 years’ service by Val Albert.

At the awards, 32 volunteers were recognised for five, 10, 15, 20 and 45 years.

EGHS has 150 volunteers who work across a range of areas including 70 Lowe Street, Garden View Court, Meals on Wheels, Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay, Patricia Hinchey Centre, Red Cross, consumers on EGHS committees, and four auxiliaries, the Ark Toy and Activity Library, EGHS Auxiliary, Residents’ Support Group and the Willaura Health Care Auxiliary.

Mrs Albert has been dedicated and valuable member of the Willaura Health Care Auxiliary and can always be relied upon to help in a variety of ways and do so cheerfully and without fuss.

She goes out of her way to help and is always there to lend a hand at working bees, the Willaura Market and anywhere else she can be useful. Her home baking is legendary, and she generously provides items for the Auxiliary’s many fundraisers.

Mrs Albert’s kindly nature and selflessness make everyone feel cared for, and she in turn is very much appreciated by her community.

“Congratulations Val on your volunteering efforts and being committed to the Willaura Health Auxiliary for 45 years,” EGHS Board Chair Cam Evans said.

Twenty-year service awards were presented to Kate Connellan, Bernie Perovich, Margie Kilpatrick, Michele Brady and Therese Jess from the EGHS Auxiliary and Annie Gellert from the Willaura Health Care Auxiliary.

Guest speaker at the awards was Bushfire Recovery Facilitator Martina Holland, who spoke about the importance of volunteers and community when disaster strikes.

The event was emceed by Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Jennings and attended by EGHS executive, staff and volunteers and hosted by EGHS Board Director Cam Evans, with awards presented by Board Directors Cam Evans and Megan Shea.

EGHS chief executive Nick Bush paid tribute to the many volunteers who work across many different areas of the health service.

“Our extraordinary volunteers are an integral part of our EGHS community, and we are here to celebrate their outstanding efforts,” Mr Bush said.

“Volunteers dedicate countless hours to enrich the lives of our patients, residents and consumers and our staff appreciate their support.

“They provide comfort and care to those in need, and this does not go unnoticed. They have become part of the fabric of East Grampians Health Service.

“Congratulations to all our long service award recipients.”

Volunteers awarded included: 45 years – Val Albert (Willaura Health Care); 20 years – Bernie Perovich (EGHS Auxiliary), Kate Connellan (EGHS Auxiliary), Margie Kilpatrick (EGHS Auxiliary), Michele Brady (EGHS Auxiliary), Therese Jess (EGHS Auxiliary), Annie Gellert (Willaura Health Care Auxiliary); 15 years – Jan Pope (Friendly visiting), Judy Wohlers (Red Cross and Meals on Wheels), Cheryl Hurnall (Red Cross), Marilyn Fisher (Red Cross), Meike Hunt (Residents’ Support Group); 10 years – Anne Hedgeland (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Daphne Lewis (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Carole McGregor (Oncology and Ark Toy and Activity Library), Ross McGregor (Patricia Hinchey Centre), Denise Calvert (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Di Pickering (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Elaine Thornbury (Ark Toy and Activity Library, Heather Hevey (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Mary Stapleton (Ark Toy and Activity Library, Christina Van Straaten (EGHS Auxiliary), Meredith Barr (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Ken McCready (Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay), Rodney McClurg (Patricia Hinchey Centre), Chris Doak (Residents’ Support Group), Margaret Spong (Residents’ Support Group); 5 years – Bo Munro (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Marg Cain (Ark Toy and Activity Library), Daryl Lowerson (Garden View Court), Merilyn Wallis (Palliative Care), Joan Fitzpatrick (Residents’ Support Group), Sandra Dickeson (Residents’ Support Group).