The Friends Celebrate 30 Years!

The Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Inc. (Friends) members celebrated 30 years as an incorporated association at their 30th Annual Conference and AGM at the Adelaide Royal Coach Hotel on the 27th of October 2023.

The luncheon was extended to incorporate the cutting of the cake including a very interesting history of the Friends kindly researched and presented by Friends Life Member Barb Lamkin.

Barb joined the Auburn/Watervale Auxiliary of the Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries Association in 1971. In 1992 Barb was elected to the role of the Auxiliaries State President created from the newly formed ‘The Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Inc.’ association. During her 2-year term Barb visited 68 Auxiliaries state-wide, mentoring approximately 2000 members. Barb was the first to chair the new Friends Co-ordinating Council 1992 to 1996. Barb supported Friends voluntarily for 52 years.

Guest speaker Steph March, Friends Kadina Auxiliary Secretary and WCHN Consumer advocate opened Conference. Steph is known for her dedication and passion for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital ever since her son was born with medical complications 8 years ago. Steph shared her heartfelt journey from then to now.

Five Friends recipients were awarded their Life Membership with Steph March and Friends Patron Ross Haslam AO presenting citations and badges to those present.

Chrissy Johnston, WCHN Nurse Manager of Clinical Assets presented an equipment overview. Chrissy is the pivotal link between clinicians and Bio Medical Engineering WCHN and has the critical task of introducing and selecting medical devices.

The Conference is a wonderful opportunity to thank our hard-working volunteers and showcase their magnificent support to Friends.

Please enjoy the hospital thank you video where Hospital staff express their appreciation and explain how the items received have transformed treatment options for patients. The Friends of the WCH Inc. donated a total of $518,808 for the 2022/23 financial year to the Women's and Children's Health Network.

The Friends would also like to extend a big thank you to the Adelaide Royal Coach Hotel for their continued support providing their venue at no cost to Friends which equates to over $2000 annually.

If you would like to make a donation to the Friends of the WCH Inc. you can press the donate button