President’s Report – 2023 AGM
I would like to thank the outgoing Committee for their commitment over the past year:
Vice President/Secretary/Public Officer – Fenella Briscomb
Treasurer – John Conway
Fundraiser – Pauline Murphy
Committee Members – Charlotte Blesing, Marlene Howes, Anna Strek, Janette Lovell.
A special thanks to our Consultant VMO, Dr. Derek Bell
I would also like to thank the Gardening Group for their continued dedication to the Hospital gardens:
Denis Brennan
Fenella Briscomb
Craig Dempsey
Margaret Hooper
Marlene Howes
Kerry Manson
It’s been a fairly quiet year resulting in our Committee only needing to meet once every three months with our main concern being focused on doctor recruitment, however, the Hospital is still experiencing doctor shortages resulting in there being no doctor on duty some weekends.
This year has resulted in a few more doctors offering their services, currently 10 doctors, and thanks goes to Dr Derek Bell and his Team.
Peter Treseder has been appointed Chairman of the Hospital Board.
Some good news, the Hospital now has a brand new X-ray machine, however, no permanent radiographer is available. We apparently rely on radiographers from Coffs Harbour Base Hospital. Dr Derek Bell report on this later.
On Saturday 22 July, I attended a working group at the Hospital, the aim being to clear all the pathways in the Arboretum. Unfortunately, I was only able to contribute 1 ¼ hours. Fenella will report on this later.
This July is 120 years since Bellinger River District Hospital officially opened.
In order to celebrate this milestone a small group was formed by Hospital staff with a view to holding several fundraising celebrations.
BHAG was invited to attend their first meeting held on the 28th April with subsequent meetings held on 10th May, 1st, 19th & 30th June.
At the fist meeting lots of ideas were put forward with the final decision being to hold three events:
3rd July, celebrating NIAIDOC Week
5th July fundraising BBQ and raffle
4th November a fundraising Ball at the Memorial Hall
I queried if the Health Department was providing funds or goods for these events. The reply was No.
Our Secretary Fenella requested that I not commit BHAG to anything without discussing it with the Committee first – as our next meeting was five weeks away it allowed no time for such a discussion to be held and it appeared to me imperative that fundraising needed to start ASAP – it was on the basis that I, volunteered to approach to businesses of Bellingen and Urunga to gauge their support for the Hospital’s fundraising celebrations.
The response from the businesses was fantastic – anything to do with the Hospital is always greatly supported by the community.
Currently 78 businesses are on the list of donations ranging from $20 – $500 which includes vouchers, goods and cheques.
Also, a generous offer was received for the purchase of 2 hoist-weighing attachments to allow accurate weighting of patients who are bedbound or unable to stand. This is one of 2 pieces of equipment on the Hospital wish list. The other being for the Emergency Department, an iCare Tonometer – for measuring pressure in they eye, for assessing sight impairment, glaucoma, and providing emergency eye care.
Monday 3rd July
A celebration of NAIDOC Week was held with Uncle Micklo sharing some very interesting Aboriginal history of all the different tribes and languages in Bellingen, Dorrigo and Nambucca areas, with music and interviews by One Mob Radio.
An excellent performance by the Bundaabang Ban Dancers from Bellingen High School, followed by a BBQ sausage sizzle with delicious salads provided by the Pink Ladies., finishing off with the cutting of a beautifully decorated cake.
Wed 5th July
Fenella and I attended the Hospital’s 120 Yr Celebration at Mary’s Tea House along with several guests including Uncle Micklo, Lisa Slater, Stephen Allan & Dr Trevor Cheney, which was followed by cake cutting.
A raffle was held with Merridy Huxley and myself selling tickets … tickets were sold at $2ea.
The Pink Ladies donated 5 dozen very fancy cupcakes which were sold at $4 ea plus 1 raffle ticket.
Three separate prizes consisting of goods and vouchers generously donated by local businesses.
A total of $410 was raised in about one and a half hours.
Prize Winners:
1st Prize Samantha Gavin
2nd Prize Lynda Breenton
3rd Prize Deb Anderson
Some information for anyone involved in fund raising. Urunga Golf Club comes under the umbrella of Coffs CEx. They have a Grant Committee – for local groups needing to raise funds. To apply – log onto their website download the application form, follow the prompts – set up an a/c, decide how much is needed or equipment required. Depending on how much is in their a/c. they may donate whole amount or part thereof.
The grant scheme starts over every July your a/c remains indefinitely.
FUNDRAISING REPORT
Total donations for the year ending 30th June 2023 = $2060.71, which includes individual donations and Tins.
IN CONCLUSION
At our last General Meeting on the 5th June, Fenella sadly informed the Committee that she would be resigning from her positions a the next AGM which gives us a year to fill the positions of Vice-President, Secretary and Public Officer.
I would like to thank Fenella for all her hard work and dedication to these positions which she’s held for many years and is continuing to do so for this current year.
John Conway kindly offered to be the Public Officer.
PAULINE MURPHY
President BHAG 2022-2023
24/07/2023
Attached is the combined document containing – 2023 AGM Minutes, President’s Report, 2023 Profit & Loss and 2023 Balance Sheet.
Save Bellingen Hospital 