Maleny Hospital Auxiliary celebrates 40 years of fundraising from 1984 to 2024

40 years of Fundraising: Cutting the Celebration Cake is Dr Maddie Fisher, at rear, and, from left, Hospital Auxiliary Lifetime Members, Gillian Allen, Norma McLeod and Diana Bryce with Director of Nursing Maleny Hospital Kim Rylatt.

The recent Maleny Hospital Auxiliary’s annual event, ‘A Springtime Affair’ was help held at the Showgrounds Pavilion on Wednesday 4th September.

It is a significant year for the Hospital Auxiliary, Celebrating 40 years of fundraising, 1984 – 2024 providing much needed equipment and needs. Over the last few years, the Auxiliary have managed to provide items such as a Slit Machine for eyes, a Jaundice Monitor for the Midwife Clinic, a Tilt in Space Wheelchair, and a King Single Sofa Bed for one of the Palliative Care rooms.

The Auxiliary also provided a block wall around the front gardens and supply and maintain the colourful pots at the back of the hospital adding vibrance for patients and staff.  

Invited guests included our Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli who addressed the 130 plus guests on Volunteering and the progress of the Hospital refurbishment. 

Joanne Shaw, COO of Sunshine Coast Hospital & Health Services, and some of the medical team from Maleny Hospital to included Dr Maddie Fisher and Dr Skye Nissen-Co-Senior Medical Superintendents, Kim Rylatt- Director of Nursing and Sally Carne- Nurse Unit Manager also attended.

A display table of crafted morning tea treats from the 80’s, and a colourful celebration cake tied in the 80’s with a current day vibe.

The cake was cut by the Auxiliary Lifetime Members, Diana Bryce, Gillian Allen, Norma McLeod. We were thrilled to have two founding members of the Auxiliary, Bernice McLelland and Wendy Nugent attend to join in the celebration.

A delicious High Tea was enjoyed, all prepared by the Auxiliary members.

Stunning flower arrangements by the very talented Maleny Floral group set the scene for a Springtime Fashion parade hosted by Hinterladies and shoes by Imelda’s of Maleny.

Fabulous Raffle prizes all added to the fun and flow of the morning.

40 years in Verse, written and read by talented poet, Lisa Plucknett (Auxiliary Member) reminded us of the decades gone by in the hospital, the dedication of the Doctors & staff of the hospital, the Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers, and our community, all who drive our hospital to continue to thrive.  

The morning closed with the drawing of the beautiful Ben Messina Photography – Framed Nature Landscape Lucky Door prize.

Hospital Auxiliary 1984 founding members Wendy Nugent and Bernice McLennan share some Auxiliary History.