Health service gives life governor awards

DEDICATED Grampians Health volunteers and donors were celebrated by the health service’s board last month, receiving inaugural Life Governor Awards.

Barry Nixon, Bernadette O’Loughlin, Patricia Fisken, and the Queen Elizabeth Centre Ladies Auxiliary were all acknowledged for their long-term commitment to health of the local community.

“Each year the board will have the privilege of appointing Life Governors of Grampians Health, an honour that will be bestowed on those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication, and support to the organisation,” said Grampians Health board chair Bill Brown.

“I am delighted to award Life Governors to those who have contributed to health care services in Ballarat.”

Mr Nixon has volunteered for the health service in various areas for more than 12 years and was BHS Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

“It truly is a rewarding experience and I get way more out of it than I give,” he said.

“I humbly accept this on behalf of all volunteers and consumer advocates associated with Grampians Health. Everyone’s a winner and every one of them deserves an award and applause.”

Ms O’Loughlin is a volunteer driver transporting Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre patients.

“We get so much out of this, particularly when driving,” she said. “We are driving people who are unwell and after a month or more of driving them, we do become friends.”

A BHS Foundation founding member, Ms Fisken has been chair for a decade, and is a donor of almost 24 years, while the QEC Ladies Auxiliary has raised funds for key health equipment for 100 years.

“Equally importantly, the QEC Ladies Auxiliary have brightened the lives of many residents through picnics, lunches and other social events, in addition to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of many residents,” Mr Brown said.

“I thank the QEC Ladies Auxiliary chair, Marlene Fry, its treasurer Mary Jolly, and all the members of the auxiliary for your service and efforts.”