Community urged to support health service

GRAMPIANS Health has launched an end of financial year tax appeal with an aim to support projects on the organisation’s fundraising wishlist.

Any department can add a project to the wishlist, and if approved, it is added to the highest need register.

There are currently 29 projects on the list such as education and technical support for at-home programs, medical equipment for theatre, and gardens for aged care facilities.

“We are grateful for the ongoing commitment from the community,” chief nursing and midwifery officer Leanne Shea said.

“Donations are important because while we do get funding through different programs through the department of health and government and more formal channels, it still isn’t enough to do absolutely everything we need to do.

“For us to be able to continue to buy the most up-to-date equipment and stay in tune with latest technology, we need to reach out to our community and funding opportunities.”

Funds from last year’s Christmas critical care appeal, the Ballarat Marathon and the Ballarat Health Services Foundation supported a renovation of the Intensive Care Unit waiting room.

The space is being upgraded to provide more comfort and privacy to families waiting for news about loved ones.

“For our families with a loved one in the ICU, they are experiencing one the hardest days of their lives, and we need to provide them with as much care and support as we can,” acting head of fundraising Chris Gerakiteys said.

“By providing a private space for them to rest, recharge and meet with our staff is a wonderful example of the holistic care we aim to provide.

“This project would never have been possible without the generous donations to our 2024 Christmas Appeal and through donations to the Ballarat Health Services Foundation raised during the Ballarat Marathon.”

Equipment that has been purchased with the support of community fundraising includes newborn BiliLux phototherapy lights, ultrasound-guided cannulation devices, a newborn and infant retinal camera, recliner chairs for the chemotherapy day unit, training mannequins for education, and more.

To make a tax deductable donation visit ghb-tax-appeal-2025.raiselysite.com .