BCH’s meeting a celebration of history

BELLARINE Community Health’s (BCH) Annual General Meeting was a celebration of its history.

More than 70 BCH members gathered last week to hear the presentation of financial and annual accounts, and join in the recognition of decades of service by staff and volunteers.

AGM guest speaker Austin Paterson, the inaugural chief executive officer of the amalgamated Community Health Centres on the Bellarine, was one of four BCH chief executive officers at the event.

Present-day chief executive officer Shane Dawson was joined by Mr Paterson, Moyneen Curtis and Graeme Howie – together the four represented decades of work with Bellarine Community Health.

“This organisation is steeped in such history and is so treasured by its community,” Mr Dawson said.

“It was humbling to be in the room with three former chief executive officers of the organisation and to be able to acknowledge the years of dedicated service by staff and volunteers.”

Portarlington resident Lorraine Collinson was recognised at the AGM for her 40 years of volunteering with BCH.

Mrs Collinson is an integral member of the Portarlington Ladies Auxiliary and has worked tirelessly for the past four decades to help raise funds and support the establishment and continued operation of the Portarlington Community Health centre.

Two new board directors were also announced at the AGM following a ballot contested by four community members.

“We are delighted to welcome Faye Agterhuis and Dr Virginia Dixon-Swift to the board and look forward to their input in helping us shape the organisation moving forward,” BCH board chair Doug Grant said.

The newly elected board directors have considerable knowledge and experience in governance and health care.