EGHS recognises long serving volunteers

East Grampians Health Service has recognised the work and support of its 150 volunteers at the 18th Volunteer Service Recognition Awards.

At the awards, 15 volunteers were recognised for five, 10, 15 and 20 years, and an outstanding 25 years of service by Willaura Health Care Auxiliary volunteer Heather Fleming and East Grampians Health Service Auxiliary volunteers Leonie King and Kathryn Tucker.

Guest speaker at the awards was The Ararat Advocate owner/editor Craig Wilson, who provided an interesting insight into the newspaper business.

A champion of volunteering, Mr Wilson said if it wasn’t for all the volunteer work carried out in Ararat, which then filtered through to stories in the Advocate, there wouldn’t be community newspapers such as his.

The event was attended by EGHS executive, staff and volunteers and hosted by EGHS Board Vice Chair Cam Evans, with awards presented by Board Director Lisa Davidson and entertainment provided by staff member Lionel Holt.

EGHS chief executive Nick Bush paid tribute to the 150 volunteers who work across many different areas of the health service, including the EGHS Auxiliary, Residents’ Support Group, Ark Toy and Activity Library Auxiliary, Willaura Health Care Auxiliary, Oncology, Red Cross, Garden View Court, 70 Lowe Street and the Patricia Hinchey Centre.

“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.”