Friends of the Kadina Auxiliary group have been making and donating care packs to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital since 2017. During this time around 400 packs have been distributed to hospital consumers.

The care packs consist of donated personal care items such as a mini shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a comb. The items are packed into donated toiletry bags or alternatively a toiletry bag sewn by our members.

The Friends Port Adelaide Auxiliary members held a very successful and enjoyable morning tea on Thursday 15th February at the West Lakes golf club. Author Fiona McIntosh supported the event as guest speaker providing a fun and interesting speech capturing the full attention of all who attended. There were fantastic raffles and prizes on the day.

The Friends Queen Victoria Auxiliary committee hosted a Devonshire tea at the Mount Osmond Golf Club, on Monday 23rd October 2023. Members and supporters were thrilled to have ‘Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC Governor of South Australia as the Guest Speaker’.

The Friends Tarlee/Stockport Auxiliary group held their very successful Melbourne Cup luncheon at the Hotel Central Riverton for the fourth year running. Hotel hosts Harry, Adam and Jasmin opened their doors to 60 people for an afternoon of sweeps, raffles and fashion parade kindly provided by the Riverton Boutique ‘Sassy Lass’. Chef Matthew Mitchell did not disappoint with a superb lunch menu.

Around thirty people gathered from far and wide at the Meningie Sailing Club on Monday, 19th June to attend the Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Inc. Auxiliaries Division Region 5 conference.

Region 5 includes auxiliary groups Pinnaroo, Lameroo, Tintinara and Meningie with children utilising the hospital from these towns.

Eyre Peninsula Friends members has a raised a staggering $695,852.00 in the past 60 years! The Region 11 Auxiliary groups, Ceduna, Lock, Cleve, Tumby Bay and Port Lincoln donated $25,550.00 this financial year to Friends. The milestone was recognised on May 31st at the Tumby Bay RSL Hall, attended by more than 30 people.

The Friends of the Women’s and Children’s are once again pleased to facilitate another generous donation from the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation (APFF).

One of the main focuses of the APFF is to provide assistance to the Newland Ward which treats burns and road crash casualties. APFF members are often first responders to these incidents. This donation aligns with the APFF members’ core values.

An exciting new partnership between the Shops Auxiliary Division and TAFE SA commenced in June.

The Adult Migrant English Program in partnership with Tafe SA offers students a short course in Barista training to be a café all-rounder at the Coffee Academy at Regency TAFE. They also learn English for employment, Australian workplace culture and one day practical training before undertaking unpaid work placement.

Another very successful ‘Play Day in May’ (games day) recently raised $3,100 which will be used to purchase a Sofa Reclining Bed for families in the Women’s and Babies’ Division Maternity Ward.

The Maitland/Arthurton Auxiliary Division hosted the annual Arthurton Pop Up Markets on Sunday 6th November at the Arthurton Sports Complex and it was a huge success. With over 100 market stalls, food/coffee vans, local distilleries, live music and children’s entertainment, they estimated over 2000 people came to support the event throughout the day and raised just over $10,000!

The Friends of the WCH, Kadina Auxiliary group recently hosted 120 community members for an entertaining Quiz night. The event was held at the local Community Sports Club, on Saturday 22nd October.

Attendees enjoyed testing their trivia knowledge, sharing supper amongst friends, and participating in an assortment of games. The evening included a raffle and auction which were strongly supported by local business in the community, whom generously donated an assortment of items and experiences.

It was with great sadness that the Friends learnt of the decision to close the Adelaide Dickens Fellowship. The Friends have taken great pride in facilitating the donations the fellowship has made to the hospital for purchasing books and equipment over the years. The Friends understand the difficulty in attracting new members and sympathise with the fellowship regarding the need to make the decision to close.