Murray Mallee & Upper South East Auxiliary Chapters

The Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Lameroo Branch has been in operation since May 1958. A relatively small, yet enthusiastic committee, we have made a commitment to hold just one fundraising event, and to make it a success. The Melbourne Cup luncheon continues to be the major, sole fundraiser for the group. We have a great team of volunteers who continue to donate their time year after year and we are very thankful for their efforts.

Held on “Cup Day” at the Lameroo Community Hotel, we offer guests at our luncheon a full smorgasbord of cold meats, gourmet salads, deserts and slices for approximately $20. Attendees are treated to entertainment by local performance groups, sweeps, a quiz, games and the “Fashions on the Field” competition. Every year, our local ladies go to considerable efforts to dress up and get ‘into the swing’ of a ladies day in support of a very important cause. Guests are always amazed by the yearly statistics of local children who attend the WCH, which is announced at the luncheon as part of the President’s official welcome.

In 2015, the luncheon was held with a ‘Christmas in November’ theme. Guests were treated to a performance by Lameroo’s own “Sing Australia” group, and a horse race using ‘My Little Ponies’ and dice was also a feature. The day was very successful, with 85 ladies in attendance. We also served 8 front-bar meals and provided 42 takeaway meals to local businesses. In previous years, we have also attracted a small group from the Riverland to our event. With meals and raffles, we raise an average of $1500 that is forwarded to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Our committee continues to be extremely grateful to local families for their invaluable contribution of salads and to the Lameroo Community Hotel for allowing us to host our event on their premises and essentially “take over their kitchen” for the day. We will continue to hold this event in the future and are always on the lookout for new ideas to make each Luncheon better than the last!

The Meningie Auxiliary began in 1961 and although currently a small team of 7, members facilitate numerous small fundraisers throughout year. The Auxiliary is also supported very well by the local community.

Meningie Auxiliary warmly welcomes new members.

Pinnaroo Auxiliary was formed in 1958 and remains an active contributor to the Friends. The eight members meet bimonthly, and would welcome your involvement. Whether or not family members have direct connections with the hospital, auxiliary membership enables all to keep in contact with the workings of the hospital as well as contributing to the purchase of equipment through fundraising.

Their annual Christmas tree decorating competition is a local highlight of the season, and additional funds are raised through running the local thrift shop for part of the year. A garden party planned for the 1st of May 2016 is sure to be a lovely event.

50 Years Young! Last year the Tintinara Branch of the Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Auxiliary turned 50! Fifty years of event organizing and fund raising to support the hospital that many country families rely upon every year.

Over the years the group has raised much needed money to buy and maintain lifesaving hospital equipment and vital services. If we are lucky, many community members will never have to utilize the WCH – but for others, the hospital becomes a very well-known place, and the care and medical services it provides become very personal.

Many well-known local women have been involved in the Tintinara group over the decades – all giving their time for this crucial service. Over the past few years the group has been refreshed with many new members of all ages – bringing an important mix of both experience and new ideas. Events ranging from garden parties, catering, raffles, bus trips and ladies days have all been organized by the group – not only resulting in money being raised, but also offering local people an opportunity to socialize and connect with each other.

In the 2014/15 year, the group was able to donate $6000 to the WCH – an amazing effort for a group of volunteers and the community that continues to support them!

Currently we are planning some new fundraising events for 2016, including a Ladies Day Event. Further details will be available very soon.

The Tintinara Branch is a diverse group of women who are always keen to welcome new members!