United Hospital Auxiliaries
For nearly 100 years, we have enjoyed the support of volunteer-led fundraising groups the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA).
Facilities provide annual ‘wish lists’ to their local UHA branch, for things such as medical equipment, patient comfort items, additional training for nursing and medical staff, and accommodation, as well as items that are used for general health care needs.
Branches fundraise through gift shops, op shops, raffles, on-site kiosks, craft stalls, market days and many other events throughout the year.
All funds raised by a branch are retained by that branch for use in their local facility.
Throughout the years, UHAs have fundraised in many ways, with everything from drag queen trivia nights to lamington drives and Christmas quilt raffles – not to forget those lovingly knitted tea cosies on sale at the on-site hospital shops!
Local UHA branches:
Ballina, Bonalbo, Byron Bay, Casino, Coraki Campbell, Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore Base, Maclean Lower Clarence, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Tweed Heads and Urbenville.
Want to attend a meeting or contact your local branch? Here’s a list of contacts.
Here’s a snapshot from a few of our local UHAs:
Clarence
Clarence Health Service General Manager Dan Madden said Grafton and Maclean Hospitals were very fortunate to be well supported by two UHA branches and an increasing number of Healthcare Helper volunteers.
“The Grafton and Lower Clarence UHA branches have proud histories of raising funds to support our hospitals and community health facilities,” Dan said.
“These funds are mostly used to purchase clinical equipment, items to improve patient care and comfort, and make the work of the clinical staff easier and safer.
“We are very grateful for the support they give, which reflects the support that the community has for the local hospitals.
“We really appreciate all the support shown by the community, through the UHA and every individual volunteer.”
Maclean Lower Clarence UHA Members at Maclean Hospital Front row: Treasurer Bev Anderson and President Anne Farrell. Second row: Judy Anderson and Secretary Marilyn Donelan. Third row: local member Richie Williamson, Nola Baker, and Helen and Peter Hamilton.
Byron Bay
The Byron Bay Hospital Auxiliary has been working hard since 1951 and currently has 29 members.
The big events they have for the year include a golf day in September, Christmas garage sale in November selling Christmas Cakes, puddings, pickles and plants. They also organise regular raffles and farmers market stalls.
Byron Bay Hospital Auxiliary Member Jan Lang joined the Auxiliary in 1996 after a friend encouraged her.
"The local branch was setting up a coffee shop in the Byron Bay Hospital and needed members willing to go on a daily roster," Jan said.
"I started attending the monthly meetings and enjoyed the company of community minded women, passionate about their local hospital, whose sole purpose was to raise funds to provide equipment for the comfort of the patients in their hospital.
“Many of these wonderful women I now consider to be very close friends, if not family, whom I cherish.
“A hospital where some of my children had been born, where I and other family members had minor surgery, where one of my five children was a regular weekend/afterhours visitor to ED to receive stitches to the latest injury or to have broken bones repaired, a hospital where my father-in-law and my mother spent their last days.
“It’s a hospital I am and always will be extremely grateful for and I will always have enormous respect for the wonderful nurses and doctors who staff it.”
Joy Taylor joined the Auxiliary soon after her retirement.
“I joined to help give back to the community and the hospital," Joy said.
"During the ensuing years, I have made very good friends. I’ve had lots of fun and laughter.”
Byron Bay UHA garage sale stall fundraiser.
Byron Bay UHA fundraiser stall.
Ballina UHA
The Ballina Hospital Auxiliary has been supporting the hospital and community over 89 years (since March 1936).
Ballina District Hospital Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Melanie Allan-Male said the UHA members were always ready when needed, with 45 members supporting the hospital tremendously through their fundraising efforts.
“Whether baking cakes for awareness days, cake stalls, community fundraising events or working in the kiosk bringing a smile that radiates like sunshine, it's always a delight to have them around,” Mel said.
“Thank you all so very much for your contribution, care and dedication. You really are wonderful. We are blessed to have you all.”
The UHA organise the popular bi-monthly home cooking and craft stalls at the hospital, raffles and following a recent partnership with Plateau Bowling Club in Alstonville, bingo nights.
This year, the UHA is also supporting a hospital sensory room, creating a place for palliative care patients and family, and those recently bereaved.
“As a member of over 20 years, I have enjoyed UHA greatly. At one time my mother Barbara, my daughter Lauren and I were all members. The UHA was and is a family thing! Mum is no longer with us, but she was privileged to become our first State Life Member, the highest honour in UHA,” said Lexi Stacey.
UHA member Lauren Wilson recently rejoined as a volunteer.
“I was a member years ago and have recently rejoined and am organising our Facebook page," Lauren said.
"Being in the Ballina Auxiliary is important to me as, like my grandmother before me, I also nursed at Ballina hospital. My grandmother was there in the 1950s and me in the 2000s.”
UHA Secretary Chris Penn has been a member for 11 years. Chris loves being involved in a wonderful organisation that devotes itself to supporting Ballina Hospital.
“Whether it's working in the kiosk or fundraising in the local community, we are always acknowledged for the work we do for the welfare of staff and patients,” Chris said.
“Our members are such lovely hard-working ladies and gents, and it's such a pleasure to be a member giving something back to those who work so hard looking after everyone at Ballina Hospital.”
Ballina UHA ANZAC Day.
Ballina UHA Easter fundraiser stall.
Murwillumbah UHA
The Murwillumbah UHA has been supporting the hospital for an impressive 99 years (since 1926). These days, there’s about 11 working members who organise raffles and craft sales as well as coordinating very generous community's donations.
Jude Ahearn, president said one of their most memorable times happened in 2016, when the team was invited to co-host with Tweed Auxiliary a local performance of the Moscow State Circus. The event raised considerable funds for both auxiliaries.
In 2012, the Murwillumbah UHA was presented with the Norman Nock Rosebowl trophy for its fundraising efforts that year.
Murwillumbah UHA accepting the Norman Nock trophy.
Murwillumbah UHA Tyalgum fundraiser stall.
Proud history for Murwillumbah UHA.
Hot drinks and donations continue to flow
The Murwillumbah Hospital Coffee Shop opened in 2008 with a handful of volunteers offering tea, coffee, sandwiches and limited hot food for hospital staff, patients and visitors. These days, 19 volunteers run the coffee shop.
In 2011, the group was incorporated and named the Murwillumbah Coffee Shop Volunteers. They received well-deserved recognition in 2021 when they were awarded the Tweed Shire Council Volunteer of the Year (Group) Award.
In the past decade, the number of volunteers working with the shop has steadily grown, as has the menu and income generated.
So far, the Murwillumbah Coffee Shop volunteers have donated almost $600,000 to Murwillumbah District Hospital.
Group President Ginny Spence said the team has lots of laugh.
“We enjoy a great time with each other, and the hospital staff are great fun,” Ginny said.
“It’s great for our mental health too.”
Lyndon Watson chose to volunteer at the coffee shop because both of her grandchildren were born at Murwillumbah Hospital.
“It’s a pleasure to provide a service for the staff and patients," Lyndon said.
"It provides me with the opportunity to make coffee (one of my passions) for hospital staff and patients, and it’s gratifying to provide staff and patients with food and coffee/tea and raise funds for much needed equipment.
“We have a wonderful bunch of volunteers supporting the hospital and each other. Everyone is welcome, and we’re in need of additional helpers.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the coffee shop on the hospital grounds or call 0475 632 042.
Pictured at top:
Byron Bay UHA President in 1982 digging to save our hospital.