Community spirit keeps Hay Hospital Auxiliary thriving

Dedicated volunteers, some who've been quietly serving their community hospital for decades, gathered at Hay Hospital recently to talk about mattresses, Christmas parties and the simple joy of making life a little easier for patients and staff.
Hay Hospital Auxiliary held their annual general meeting, where the conversation flows as naturally as tea from a thermos, and where every decision is made with one question in mind; how can we help?
Liz Gibson was voted in as President, Irene Johnson became the Vice President. Dick Van Buuren was elected Treasurer, and Kevin Heery once more assumed the role of Secretary.
“Many times, we are asked why is auxiliary necessary? And what do the members of auxiliary do?” said President Liz Gibson, who was voted back in as President for the current financial year.
“The auxiliary is made up of a body of people interested in the welfare of our hospital, staff and patients.
“We provide funds for the extra items the hospital commission doesn't buy.”
It's a simple mission statement which belies the significant impact this volunteer organisation has on their local hospital.
Over the past year, they've purchased everything from specialised mattresses to patient trolleys, Christmas gifts for aged care residents, and equipment that makes the daily work of medical staff just that bit easier.
The auxiliary's approach is refreshingly practical. When the hospital needs something, they get it sorted.
“We don't show off about what we're doing,” one member said.
“We've always looked after our hospital, and we wouldn't go against the staff. They work hard.”
This year brought particular pride in their Mother's Day pamper day, where local professionals donated their time and expertise to give hospital residents a special treat.
There was also the successful Christmas lunch, complete with gifts for every resident and staff member, and ongoing support for services like Angel Flight.
Michelle O’Brien, the acting facility manager, painted a picture of a busy, thriving hospital during her address to the group.
“I'm very proud of the staff I've got. We're well trained and have done a great job,” she said.
She's particularly excited about the upcoming hospital open day in October.
“Last year, it was a great success and we're hoping that this year will be just as good, if not better,” she said.
“It was surprising how many people had never been into the hospital before.”
For longtime members like Dick van Buuren who stepped up as treasurer this year, the auxiliary represents something special about rural communities.
“It's just incredible what we can do,” he reflects.
“We're very aware of what we have got, and we spend it wisely.”
The Auxiliary has built the kind of financial stability that lets them say yes when it matters.
“Sometimes we purchase some big items, sometimes smaller items,” Dick explains.
“We are very financially aware. We're not saving it for anything specific, but if something major comes up, we'll be ready.”
As the formal business concluded and new office bearers were elected (with refreshing efficiency and good humour), there was a sense of an organisation that knows its place in the community and is comfortable with its role.
Mayor Carol Oataway spoke about the upcoming Community Services Day, highlighting how the auxiliary fits into the broader network of organisations that keep rural communities functioning.
“It's good to see people attending because they don't understand what services are available,” she noted.
For the auxiliary members, many of whom have been volunteering for decades, it's never been about recognition or fanfare.
It's about the quiet satisfaction of knowing that when someone needs a more comfortable mattress, or when Christmas needs celebrating, or when the hospital needs something that makes life for patient and practitioners easier, they'll be there.
“We do whatever we can,” one member says simply. “Any time they ask for something, we just get it done.”
While the organisation has had treasured bequests from two community-minded and generous deceased residents, it values any and all help.
They take all donations seriously, and they are very methodical and mindful when making investments with these funds.
The term ‘Hospital Auxiliary’ is arguably a drab term. In Hay’s case however, it is a term for what is a vibrant, caring, dedicated and determined group of people intent on maximising the impact they have on the hospital they care deeply about.
It was such a pleasure to have a small insight into this dedicated group of volunteers, whose commitment to their hospital and community continues to make a real difference, one thoughtful gesture and practical purchase at a time.

The Hay Hospital Auxiliary meets regularly, every third Thursday of the month.
They welcome new members. For more information about volunteering or the upcoming Community Services Day on October 13, contact the hospital.