Record funds raised
Neerim District Community Bank Branch is calling for nominations for this year’s Bill Cumming Young Achiever award.
Neerim District Community Bank Branch chairman Tim Kubale said Bill Cumming was an active member of the Neerim community prior to his sudden death in 2009.
“Bill was particularly keen to encourage local young people to achieve their best, no matter what activity they were involved in,” he said.
“The Bill Cumming Young Achiever award was established in Bill’s memory to acknowledge the achievements of a young person from the district.”
Nominees must be aged between 15 and 25 years of age and have achieved in one or more of the following fields; technology, arts, music, community service, sport or study. Nominees must also reside in or have a connection to the Neerim district, and have demonstrated initiative in the pursuit of their goals.
Nomination forms are available from Neerim District Community Bank® Branch and should be submitted by September 30.
For more information about the Bill Cumming Young Achiever award, contact 5628 1079 or 5628 1106.
A record $103,000 was raised in just seven weeks during the West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s annual equipment appeal.
Staff at the group have thanked the community for its generosity in supporting the appeal.
The funds will be used to purchase medical equipment and patient comfort items (not covered by government funding) for West Gippsland Hospital as well as Cooinda Lodge and Andrews House aged care residences.
Board chairman Christine Holland said the group was humbled by the wonderful community generosity towards the hospital.
“The appeal raised $5,000 above the target which is an amazing result and reflects the importance the community places in its hospital and healthcare services.
“Donations were received from individuals, families, school students, former patients, staff, physicians, clubs, service clubs, businesses, and more.
“A secure online donation function via WGHG’s website also increased options for people to donate as well as a new West Gippsland Hospital Supporters Facebook page to recognise and thank donors and supporters.”
Clinical operations director Kathy Kinrade said the generosity would enable the group to buy all of the equipment items identified for the appeal plus additional equipment items as money raised was above the appeal target.
“Equipment to be purchased includes an ultra sound to assist with monitoring women and their unborn babies. air mattresses and wheelchairs for aged care residences, portable vital sign monitors for oncology and surgical patients and a single sofa bed for parents or carers who need to stay overnight with their child while in hospital.
Community Health Disability Services will also be boosted with the purchase of an electronic high low bed to improve ease and comfort for children and adults with a disability.”
Chief executive Dan Weeks said the appeal result was also a morale boost for healthcare teams who work at the front line every day to deliver quality healthcare services to people of all ages in our community.”
“On behalf of everyone at WGHG, we thank our community”, he said.
To make a donation to West Gippsland Healthcare Group visit: http://www.wghg.com.au/wghg or phone the public relations office on 5623 0600.