RCH Auxiliaries Annual Report 2013/14

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OUR GOAL We are one team, working towards one goal – making sick kids better.

MISSION We raise money to enable The Royal Children’s Hospital to provide the best care for its patients and their families. We enable the hospital and its campus partners to pioneer research and new treatments, and to provide world-class leadership and state-of-the-art equipment.

VALUES We show integrity in all our interactions, being moral, ethical, honest, transparent and trustworthy.

We display humility, being modest, not self-important; confidence in dealing with others.

We show gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of our donors and our colleagues.

We are compassionate, showing empathy in our dealings with each individual.

We are inclusive and respectful. We show loyalty and understanding.

The results of these values translates into action.

We are known for delivery on our commitments.

CONTENTS

Auxiliaries Executive Committee Louise Gourlay OAM - our Patron

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REPORTS AND MESSAGES

STORIES FROM THE AUXILIARIES & OUR HOSPITAL

Satellite Pharmacy 1000 Blankets Robyn Anderson - RCH Auxiliaries President 8 Hawthorn Auxiliary Sue Hunt - RCH Foundation CEO 10 Looking Back - Edith Sporle Good Friday Appeal 11 GFA - Kids Day Out Auxiliary Coordinators’ Report 12 From our Oldest to the Newest Auxiliary RCH Auxiliaries Shop 12 Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Luncheon A day in the life of...

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WHO WE SUPPORTED & THE IMPACT OF AUXILIARIES’ WORK

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AUXILIARIES’ REPORTS AWARDS & RESULTS

Snapshot 20 Madge Tate Service Award 58 Supporting the hospital’s priorities 22 Long Service Awards 60 Living Treasures 62 Vale 65 Auxiliary Results 68

AUXILIARIES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PATRON OF AUXILIARIES Louise Gourlay OAM Louise Gourlay joined The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in 1982 as a member of the Board of Management. Louise was President of Auxiliaries from 1985 until 1994 and was awarded a Life Governorship of the RCH in 1993. Louise received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her work in the community in 1999. In 1998, when Dame Patricia McKinnon stepped down, Louise became President of the Auxiliaries and continues in the position of Patron to this present day.

PRESIDENT Robyn Anderson - CasKids Auxiliary Robyn Anderson was a founding member of CasKids Auxiliary in 1967, and brings a wealth of experience in both fundraising and community liaison together with her corporate knowledge. Robyn was a member of the Executive from 2006 to 2008, and returned in 2010 as Executive Secretary.

Robyn was honoured with the Madge Tate Service Award for outstanding contribution to the Auxiliaries in 2012. She is also a Living Treasure and a Honorary Life Governor of the RCH.

VICE PRESIDENT Bev Noonan - Parkville Auxiliary Bev Noonan has a broad range of experience, having run community and fundraising events for various causes for decades. With a background in nursing, she originally became involved with the Auxiliaries after seeing an ad in the newspaper about Parkville Auxiliary. With experience working voluntarily with organisations that help homeless people, Bev also boasts a degree in social science with graduate qualifications in arts. Bev has been on the board of the Caroline Chisholm Society for many years and is a life member.

SECRETARY Denise Mudie - CasKids Auxiliary Denise Mudie has a background in accounting and has worked in tertiary institutions in administrative and executive assistant roles for more than 20 years. She was introduced to the Auxiliaries more than 30 years ago by her neighbour, current President Robyn Anderson – and has been a valuable member of CasKids Auxiliary ever since. With a long history of involvement in the Auxiliaries, Denise brings an understanding of both Auxiliaries’ history and how it has grown over time, as well as changes in community fundraising.

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TREASURER EX-OFFICIO Andrew Long - Business Manager Andrew Long has over 25 years experience, primarily in the accounting, banking, trustee, not-for-profit and finance sectors. His extensive senior management experience includes roles at Bendigo Bank Group and Multiple Sclerosis Australia where he was involved in the development and management of philanthropic trusts and foundations.

EX-OFFICIO Sue Hunt - Chief Executive Officer Sue Hunt has worked across Australia in senior executive positions in the arts and non-profit industry for over 20 years, and held a string of board memberships across a huge variety of arts and government organisations.

In July 2010, Sue returned to her home state of Victoria for the first time in over a decade to take up the position of CEO of The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Bill Gordon - Heart Throb Auxiliary Bill Gordon became involved in Auxiliaries after his daughter was sick when she was in primary school. During her treatment at the hospital, Bill learned that camps held to assist children with cardiac conditions urgently required funding to continue. With a wide range of experience in both business and volunteering, Bill holds an interest in education, good governance and community engagement. Bill is a previous Madge Tate Award winner and Life Governor of the RCH.

Ruth Murray - Cancer Crusaders After being a Committee member for Cancer in Kids Auxiliary for a period of six years, Ruth and friend Sharron Markovic saw an opportunity to start a new Auxiliary. Ruth decided to take the opportunity to start Cancer Crusaders Auxiliary, enabling her to draw upon her networks within Melbourne’s Western Suburbs. Cancer Crusaders hit the ground running in October 2013 and has continued to go from strength to strength in this very short period of time.

Rhonda Robins - Heart Throb Auxiliary Rhonda Robins has been a member of the Auxiliaries Executive for the past three years. Rhonda is a founding member and current President of Heart Throb Auxiliary, formed in 1994 to raise funds to provide support to children with chronic heart disease. Rhonda is the parent of a child who has been a patient at the hospital and cares deeply for both the Auxiliaries and the hospital itself.

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LOUISE GOURLAY OAM - OUR PATRON Mrs Louise Gourlay OAM is an integral part of the fabric that makes RCH Auxiliaries the remarkable and compassionate fundraising support that it is today. Her involvement with The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) stems back to 1982 when she was first appointed a member of the hospital board and today, as we look back on our Patron’s achievements, one thing’s for certain: her community spirit has never faded.

Mrs Gourlay is quick to share Auxiliaries successes by stating that the success of any organisation comes from the people within it.

“The integrity of our Auxiliary organisation is built on loyalty and commitment, and over the years, we have faced all kinds of upheavals - physical, personal and political. They have always been handled and solved, with faith, tolerance and dignity.”

In 1982 Mrs Gourlay joined the hospital Board of Management, being reappointed in 1985 and again in 1988. She was also a member of the Executive Committee, the RCH Foundation, the Finance Committee, the Building Committee, the Family Care Committee, the Joint Medical Advisory Committee, the Accident Prevention Centre Steering Committee and the Medical Appointments Committee. It is noted that in all her pursuits, she showed a rare understanding and interest, ready to contribute in so many ways.

Arguably one of her most important roles was as President of Auxiliaries from 1988 until 1994, during which time she was also awarded Governorship of the RCH in 1993. Many Auxiliary members will remember her outstanding leadership, warmth, encouragement and friendly approach. Throughout her time as President, Auxiliaries raised significant amounts and members today may recall the celebrated production of “Mozart at Mawallock” which was regarded as a “huge” success. Louise fondly remembers the production saying that it was “an outstanding operatic concert in a beautiful country garden which was a far cry from the ten dozen very hard boiled eggs, in the days when we catered for the Good Friday helpers, out of the hospital kitchen - ‘hands were made before forks’”.

A devoted mother of four, Mrs Gourlay’s achievements were recognised in 1999 when she received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her wonderful work in the community, which stretched beyond the RCH. Mrs Gourlay remains as one of the most popular dignitaries amongst the Auxiliary members. Robyn Anderson, President Auxiliaries, commented that “Louise has such an engaging presence and is much loved by past and present office bearers and members. It’s an honour to call her our Patron and she is indeed a Patron of the people.”

Her love of people and her understanding of their difficulties and problems enabled Mrs Gourlay to make an outstanding contribution to the life of the hospital.

Always committed to the Auxiliaries cause, Mrs Gourlay remarked: “Our vision for the future must be inspired by previous examples, bearing in mind that we have to work within a corporate structure brought about by Government regulation, and within an era of technology and social conscience.

“Let us strive together to uphold that integrity.”

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REPORTS AND MESSAGES FROM 2013/2014

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ROBYN ANDERSON Being a member of an Auxiliary has enhanced my life immeasurably and never more so since becoming the President in April 2013. It brings friendship, a sense of purpose and the knowledge that your fundraising efforts are making a positive impact to the quality of life of children and their families throughout Victoria and beyond.

As I write this report I am reminded that each and every one of us has a passion for making a difference.

Each president brings something different to the role, and when I look back on our 92 years, we have an amazing list of leaders who each nurtured and encouraged Auxiliaries to be the best that they could be.

My time in the role began with a new office team; Craig Wright as the Auxiliaries Coordinator, Amanda Caldwell in the Auxiliaries Liaison role and Caroline Duffield filling the Liaison Events position. We have also had a recent change in the RCH Auxiliaries Shop with Kaitlin Howley moving into the RCH Foundation and Monique Thomas coming on board. It has been a fast paced period and we are making big footprints in the sand as we learn, work together and support Auxiliaries into the future.

An important part of my role is to see that Auxiliaries are sustainable into the future and that we find ways of working smarter rather than harder. The Auxiliaries Executive Committee’s (AEC) job under the leadership of the president is to promote, acknowledge and enhance the Auxiliaries by honouring the history of benefaction and striving to take that history towards a prosperous and vibrant future.

The AEC has worked very hard over the past year to define this.

I believe in team work. Team work provides opportunities for each person to be heard and for us to be successful as a tight unit, supporting and respecting each other as valued members of different Auxiliaries. Our project this year is to define the status of Auxiliaries. To endeavour to support those who need it and encourage those who are actively fundraising.

This year I had the privilege of presenting a cheque for $1,436,355 to the Good Friday Appeal. This is a staggering amount raised by the amazing members of Auxiliaries, their supporters and friends. It’s inspiring to think of all the hands it took to raise that amount of money. Our congratulations to Deb Hallmark, the Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal and her team, for raising the astounding total of $16,846,396.

In 2014 we are concentrating on ways to increase public awareness of Auxiliaries by celebrating our history and regenerating our membership. We are part of the wonderful RCH family and ambassadors of the hospital’s great work and friends. Auxiliaries show that we care deeply for the sick children and we are prepared to make a difference through our fundraising and our caring spirit.

In order to make our dreams and aspirations for Auxiliaries come true, there are many people who help make that happen. I would like to sincerely thank Professor Christine Kilpatrick CEO of The Royal Children’s Hospital for attending our events throughout the year and for keeping Auxiliaries informed of the needs of the hospital. Our thanks should also go to the Hon Rob Knowles AO Chairman, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the board members, and to Peter Yates AM Chairman of The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and board members, whose interest in Auxiliaries never fades nor their appreciation for all that Auxiliaries achieve in their fundraising.

We could not achieve the amazing results we do without the support of many from the RCH, the RCH Foundation and the businesses and individuals in our own communities.

Acknowledgement is also given to the wonderful doctors, nurses and clinicians who appreciate our efforts. These people have passion, enormous energy and the drive to be the best that they can be in their chosen field.

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A highlight of this year was the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon. It was a brilliant day held at the Myer Mural Hall and I commend the Chair of the Committee, Jan Spooner DGStJ and the team of people who made that day so successful raising over $83,000.

The highest honour that can be given to an Auxiliary member is the Madge Tate Service Award. Phyl Brown, President of Heart to Heart Auxiliary, is the current recipient and I was fortunate to have Phyl as my co-presenter at the cheque presentation on Good Friday. We salute Phyl for her wonderful contribution.

When I look back over the past 12 months I am proud.

Proud to be your President, proud of the job we have done together over this time and proud of my family, friends and supporters who care about the RCH as passionately as I do.

In our new year, let’s focus on the positive and concentrate our energies into putting the fun back into fundraising.

Come with me on the ride of your life and together we will make the difference of a lifetime.

Robyn Anderson President RCH Auxiliaries

From top: Robyn Anderson, President of Auxiliaries; Jeans hand knitted toys ready for sale at Paddy’s Market; Ladies of Pelican Auxiliary (photo courtesy of the Herald Sun).

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SUE HUNT Each year, the Auxiliaries’ calendar of events has a full and diverse array of fundraising activities including luncheons, dinners, balls, fun runs, markets, golf days and trivia nights to name a few, and the distinguishing feature of all Auxiliary events is the unwavering commitment, passion and energy shown by all the members; your devotion to fundraising for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) is remarkable.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Auxiliaries as a group for your phenomenal fundraising achievement this year. As fundraisers, it is inherent in all of us, that we strive to increase the support year on year but we also know that to do so, a lot of hard work, determination and effort are required.

These attributes certainly paid off this year with the remarkable annual Auxiliaries donation to the RCH Good Friday Appeal of $1,436,355. The children of Victoria are fortunate to have Auxiliaries raising funds to support this great hospital.

2014 marks 92 years since the Auxiliaries began and with Robyn Anderson as President, it’s sure to be an engaging, compassionate and fun year ahead. I’m looking forward to seeing many members on the Main Street pods, at events and functions, and I’m also looking forward to welcoming new Auxiliary members to the RCH fundraising family.

This coming year also marks a milestone in the history books as stage two of the new RCH is completed and our office space moves to number 48 Flemington Road.

The physical move is coupled with an exciting new strategy to grow our fundraising revenues. This approach has been developed in response to the goals of the hospital and the vision to put Melbourne Children’s campus on the world stage.

Once again, congratulations on a fantastic year of fundraising for the RCH.

Sue Hunt Chief Executive Officer RCH Foundation

From top: Sue Hunt, CEO RCH Foundation; Templestowe Auxiliary stall at Andy’s Market, Auxiliaries stall at The International Flower and Garden Show 2014.

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GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL Thank you to all of the Auxiliaries who helped and supported the efforts of the RCH Good Friday Appeal (GFA) this year, our first at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). 60,000 people turned out to celebrate the GFA at the Kids Day Out at MCEC this year. It was a sea of happy faces who participated in everything from roller skating, to face painting, teddy bear hospital visits and death defying ten metre drop slide rides. Again the GFA set an amazing record of $16,846,396.

The incredible support of the Appeal reflects on the outstanding work of The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and its important place in our community. We are so proud of the effort that has been made by everyone to support the hospital and its patients through the Appeal effort this year. Thank you to the Auxiliaries throughout country Victoria, Geelong and the Melbourne area who all help in their small way to contribute to the outstanding total of $1,436,355.

Many tens of thousands of people come together on Good Friday to deliver this wonderful result.

The Appeal has raised more than $274 million for the RCH since it began in 1931.

From the Good Friday Appeal team.

Above: President Robyn Anderson and Madge Tate recipient Phyl Brown with Jennifer Keyte presenting the Auxiliaries cheque at the RCH Good Friday Appeal 2014.

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AUXILIARY COORDINATORS’ REPORT AUXILIARIES OFFICE As all Auxiliary members know, the Auxiliary Office has always been very busy – this past 12 months has been no exception to that rule.

As a team, we have taken many opportunities to improve the service we provide. In making that statement, we have listened to those who have been able to see growth and change that can support our ideas for the future.

Since my last annual report for Auxiliaries, Laurel Leigh Chettiar has had a beautiful baby boy – Baxter and has commenced a well-deserved maternity leave break, with Caroline Duffield ably stepping into the role of Auxiliaries Liaison - Events. On the day Caroline joined the Auxiliaries Office she headed straight into a Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon meeting – well done Caroline for an exceptional event and all the work you put into it and all other events for Auxiliaries.

Amanda Caldwell has worked tirelessly with regard to all matters administration and in doing so has kept the Auxiliary Office operational. Coordinating the Auxiliaries space at the RCH Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out was certainly no small task. Congratulations Amanda, the feedback from visitors was exceptional.

I must also take this opportunity to flag to all Auxiliary members that the support and efforts of the Auxiliaries Executive Committee can’t be measured. Support and direction from Sue Hunt, Chief Executive Officer, and Andrew Long, Business Manager, has made the role of managing the Auxiliary Office as smooth as possible.

RCH AUXILIARIES SHOP Many have made note of visual changes that have occurred within the RCH Auxiliaries Shop, for this I must thank you all, as many have stopped by for that informal chat of “where to from here”.

We have seen changes in staffing with Kaitlin Howley recently leave the RCH Auxiliaries Shop to take up another position in the RCH Foundation office. I must thank Kaitlin for her contribution, and also congratulate her on her new role. Ruth Murray and I interviewed a strong group of applicants for the position of Auxiliaries Liaison – Retail, with Monique Thomas being the successful candidate. For those who have not met Monique, please ensure you pop into the RCH Auxiliaries Shop and introduce yourself.

Monique has hit the ground running and has been well received by those who have approached her regarding opportunities to volunteer in the RCH Auxiliaries Shop.

Craig Wright Coordinator RCH Auxiliaries

Clockwise from top left: RCH Foundation staff at the GFA Kids Day Out; Caring Friends for Cystic Fibrosis Auxiliary equipment purchase; delicious home made jam; Heart to Heart Auxiliary purchased cardiac equipment; LARCH golf day, Auxiliary pods on Main Street, RCH in action.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

It takes a team of people to make the RCH the great hospital it is. We spoke with just a few to learn more about their connection to the hospital and what inspires them to support it.

... RCH Auxiliary legend, Margo Margo Ferguson — known as Fergie to her friends — is one motivated lady.

94 years old and almost 38 years into her Auxiliaries’ membership, she shows no signs of slowing down. This fundraising force to be reckoned with began working with the Auxiliaries after a friend asked her to join the cause. Margo’s love of kids and her friend’s enthusiasm sealed the deal.

“I was always a honey pot for kids, they loved me” says Margo. “I sometimes walked two and a half miles to mind kids because I’ve always liked children.”

Initially a member of the Pelican Auxiliary, Margo is now secretary and treasurer for Pankina Auxiliary and runs their fundraising stall outside the RCH Auxiliaries Shop. A typical day at the stall starts with quite the journey for Margo. She travels with two large bags of donated items via bus, train and then tram to arrive at the hospital.

She then sets up her wares and settles in for a day of chats, laughs and fundraising.

“People are always good to me here,” says Margo.

“They all know me because I’m like a bad penny, I just keep coming back!”

With gorgeous items including knitted dolls and baby booties, Margo has a steady stream of customers, all of whom she offers a warm smile and friendly conversation. Many she knows personally and even hospital staff pop by to enquire how she is and see what she’s selling.

Despite her age, Margo usually puts in a solid six hours of work before packing up for the trek home.

When asked why she continues to raise money for the hospital, Margo doesn’t hesitate to say she does it for the kids. She also remains deeply moved by the work of former Auxiliary members and friends.

“So many of my friends in Auxiliaries have passed and part of me continues to do this to honour their memory and the contributions they made to the hospital.”

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You can see why Margo was honoured with a Living Treasure award by her fellow Auxiliary members. Her dedication to the hospital and passion for helping sick kids is something to behold.

“I will keep visiting [the hospital] until I drop!” she says with a laugh, before she greets her next customers with a grin.

... RCH Teacher, Sonya Sonya Nedovic is more than just a kindergarten teacher. The first teacher in the RCH Education Institute Kinder program, Sonya is a link to discovery and fun for children being treated at the RCH. By developing individual learning plans for each student and working closely with their teacher outside the hospital, Sonya makes the most of this flexible learning environment.

“Chronic illness can mean a child disengages from learning,” says Sonya. “This program ensures they remain active learners and helps smooth the transition between hospital and school.”

Each day begins with a group session in Oncology for four year old students. Structured like a typical kindergarten class, students receive early development learning in an arts-based format.

Afternoons are dedicated to hospital room sessions for students too sick to attend the morning group.

A recent class project she’s most proud of is a book fully written and illustrated by her students, which will soon be available for sale in the RCH Auxiliaries Shop. Titled There’s a Park Outside My Window, the book — which showcases the beautiful parkland surrounding the hospital — helped students develop literacy skills.

Sonya’s role also extends beyond the classroom, where she works with clinicians and allied health professionals to ensure holistic patient care.

Students’ individual learning plans are shared

with the team and considered part of their official hospital record, highlighting the importance of education in their recovery.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Sonya emphasises “the ability to provide a kindergarten experience to kids who would otherwise miss out. Learning can happen anywhere, whether in class or in the hospital.

Even when you’re sick, you can still learn.”

... RCH Mum, Lewanna When daughter Elijah experienced her first seizure, Lewanna was deeply shaken. Their initial trip to emergency suggested an ear infection, but the seizures grew more frequent and the familiy soon found themselves back at the RCH. This second assessment led to Elijah being admitted to Neurology for observation. During this time, she visibly experienced 80 seizures per day, but the monitoring equipment indicated how critical the situation really was.

“It was like an electrical storm in her brain,” says Lewanna. “Elijah was continually suffering from seizures we couldn’t see.”

The journey to a diagnosis was a difficult one for Lewanna, as “you’re in someone else’s hands and you don’t know what to do.” Confirmation that a brain tumour wasn’t to blame brought little comfort. “I wasn’t relieved because then you wonder, what is this? What’s causing her to fit?”

Further testing diagnosed Elijah with a severe form of Epilepsy. Though doctors now knew what ailed her, medication was unable to control the seizures. The need to keep Elijah under constant supervision meant her siblings had to learn what to do when she had a fit. Lewanna and husband Robert took turns watching her overnight, an experience which soon left them exhausted.

At this point, Elijah’s parents and doctors determined the best course of action was surgery.

The eight-and-a-half hour procedure targeted the

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area of her brain where the seizures originated and Elijah is now Epilepsy-free.

Back at school and able to be a kid again, Elijah and her family are making up for lost time, saying the experience has made them more family oriented.

“We used to be focused on work and business, but now we’re taking more time to be a family.”

When asked about their experience at the RCH, Lewanna doesn’t hesitate to praise the hospital.

“RCH is the most amazing facility for sick kids,” she says. “The people we met there helped us with an open heart; it was extraordinary.”

As a way to say thank you for the care Elijah received, Lewanna plans to raise money for the hospital. She’s also intent on teaching her children the value of giving back.

“Elijah is better now, but there will always be other children suffering from Epilepsy.”

... RCH Auxiliary Office newbie, Monique Six weeks isn’t a very long time. But for Monique Thomas, the Auxiliary Liaison for Retail, it’s time enough to start the RCH Auxiliaries Shop on an exciting new path.

Though a fresh face at the shop, Monique has seven years of outstanding retail experience, and is drawing upon it to grow the store into an even greater fundraiser for the hospital.

“The feedback we’ve received so far is amazing,” says Monique. “Everyone from doctors and nurses, to Auxiliary members and families love the new energy in the store and are excited to see us breathe new life into it.”

From the moment Monique walks into the RCH Auxiliaries Shop, she’s working to achieve her vision for it. A large part of that involves forging

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relationships throughout the hospital. Whether she’s sharing a laugh with hardworking Auxiliary members, getting to know fellow employees, or making a connection with the families of sick kids, each encounter highlights the important work being done within the store.

“I love working with the Auxiliaries to help raise funds for fantastic projects and causes,” says Monique. “It’s also wonderful getting to know families staying here and explaining to them the impact Auxiliaries have on the hospital. Many don’t realise the amazing projects that Auxiliaries are a part of.”

This is a big reason why Monique is keen to have volunteers join her in the shop. On any given day, you can find her training a fresh group of volunteers on the point-of-sale system and working with them to create the best customer service experience, which is something she wants to see more of.

“Ultimately, I’d like the store to be 100% run by Auxiliaries volunteers,” says Monique. “I’d love them to develop relationships with in-patients, their families and even staff to see the impact Auxiliaries have on the hospital.”

Apart from in-store sales, Monique dedicates time to special orders and deliveries, two of the most rewarding parts of her job. Always willing to make a child’s stay more comfortable, Monique will bring in special request items for those staying at the hospital longterm. She also takes the time to personally deliver gift orders to the wards if requested.

It’s this kind of care and compassion that Monique believes will take the store to the next level. By recognising that the shop can be a source of respite for families staying at the RCH, she hopes to create a fun and inviting place where they can escape the stress of their child’s illness.

“It can be hard to find a retail environment where you give back to the community, but here you can make such a difference. I want to create a space filled with life and volunteers; a welcoming and familiar environment for people coming into the hospital, whether they’ve already visited the RCH Auxiliaries Shop or not.”

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Margo Ferguson

Lewanna and Elijah Photo courtesy of the Herald Sun

Sonya Nedovic

Monique Thomas

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WHO WE SUPPORTED & THE IMPACT OF AUXILIARIES’ WORK A N N UA L R E P ORT 2014

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AUXILIARY SNAPSHOT

Across the state Auxiliaries are raising money for The Royal Children’s Hospital

WANGARATTA Auxiliary

$11,414 SPECIAL KIDS EBC Auxiliary

$26,706

GEELONG Auxiliary

$42,426 SOUTH WESTERN Auxiliary

$28,590 20

CHARLI’S ANGELS Auxiliary

$2,981

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INVERLOCH DIABETIC UNIT Auxiliary

$84,141

KEY AUXILIARY STALL AT THE RCH MARKET STALL GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL - KIDS DAY OUT GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL - TINS RCH AUXILIARIES SHOP MORNING TEAS // CUPPA FOR KIDS BALLS // DANCES OTHER EVENTS RAFFLES

[ METRO MELBOURNE]

BEADS Auxiliary

$1,162

BROADMEADOWS AUXILIARY CARING FRIENDS OF CF AUXILIARY CANCER CRUSADERS AUXILIARY COURAGE FOR KIDS AUXILIARY DO-BEES AUXILIARY EZY BREATHING AUXILIARY FOOTSCRAY YARRAVILLE JUNIORS AUXILIARY KNOX - SHERBROOKE AUXILIARY KOOYONG TENNIS CLUB AUXILIARY ROXBURGH PARK AUXILIARY SOUTHERN RAINBOWS AUXILIARY ST KILDA AUXILIARY TRAILBLAZERS AUXILIARY WAVERLEY AUXILIARY N.B not all Auxiliaries are listed. Auxiliaries selected to show the scope of activity across Victoria.

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RESEARCH $50,000

$520,000

GENETIC & EPIGENETIC INVESTIGATION OF CEREBAL PALSY AND AUTISM

ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE IN PAEDIATRIC SOLID TUMOURS

$30,000

$19,976

THE VICTORIAN PRADER-WILLI REGISTER AND ASSOCIATED RESEARCH

COMBAT CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRIAL

Kooyong Auxiliary

Trailblazers Auxiliary and Do-Bees Auxiliary

$426,063 HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH STUDY: SATELLITE PHARMACY

South Western Auxiliary Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Templestowe Auxiliary Footscray Yarraville Juniors Auxiliary, Pankina Auxiliary and Caroline Auxiliary

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Cancer in Kids Auxiliary

Caring Friends of Cystic Fibrosis Auxiliary

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT $805

$10,981

$34,650

IPAD PHARMACY CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTRE

EDUCATIONAL PLAY THERAPY IPADS AND EQUIPMENT (PHASE 2)

GE VENUE ANAESTHESIA ULTRASOUND MACHINE

Charli’s Angels Auxiliary

$68,8202 EARLY-LIFE MEASURES OF DISEASE AND PHYSICAL HEALTH (PQCT SCANNER) Geelong Auxiliary (Total cost of project $233,562)

$17,000 SPECTRA OPTIA APHERESIS SYSTEM Wangaratta Auxiliary

[Total cost of equipment $54,000]

Templestowe Auxiliary [Total cost of phase one and two $32,000. NB. phase one was funded

by Let the Children Play Auxiliary 2012/13]

$49,731

Caring Friends of Cystic Fibrosis Auxiliary

$68,650 MEASUREMENT OF PRESSURE AND FLOW IN BLOOD VESSELS

Heart to Heart Auxiliary

LEICA M165 FC MICROSCOPE FOR CCC

$7,735

$98,472

Southern Rainbows Auxiliary

Cancer in Kids Auxiliary

BREAST PUMPS FOR SUGARGLIDER WARD

INTERACTIVE MEDIAWALL FOR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CasKids Auxiliary

[Total cost of equipment $116,220]

$1,003 OCCIAN AIRWAY PAD

Templestowe Auxiliary

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PATIENT AND FAMILY CENTRED CARE $40,080

$19,558

DEVELOPMENT OF THE VICTORIAN NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS REGISTER

TRAINING COORDINATOR FOR DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE

$78,423

$50,587

PROJECT MANAGER FOR CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTRE

ONCOLOGY SUPPORTIVE CARE CONSULTANT

Kooyong Auxiliary

LARCH

LARCH

$39,285

$14,000

IMPROVING IMMUNISATION AT THE RCH Templestowe

VIDEO RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER - “MEET THE EXPERTS”

Auxiliary

$55,841 MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM FOR NEUROSCIENCES & REHAB DEPARTMENTS Knox - Sherbrooke Auxiliary

Charli’s Angels Auxiliary

$25,821 DIABETES COMPLICATION SCREENING NURSE Inverloch Diabetic Unit Auxiliary

$38,643

$4,200

PROJECT OFFICER FOR CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTRE

SOCIAL WORK LIVER TRANSPLANT FUND

LARCH

Yellow Ribbon Kids Auxiliary

$3,600

$13,800

SOCIAL WORK SAMARITAN FUND

MOTHER GOOSE PROGRAM

LARCH

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Waverley Auxiliary

Waverley Auxiliary

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$22,976 EXCELLENT CLINICAL OUTCOMES - OT CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND TRAINING PACKAGE Parkville Auxiliary

$24,318 RCH OT’S PROVIDING PARENT EDUCATION AND POSITIVE PATIENT EXPERIENCE Parkville Auxiliary

$3,000 SUPPORTING AIRFARES FOR TASMANIAN FAMILIES

Children’s Flyer Fund Auxiliary

LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION $63,200 CHILDREN’S BIOETHICS CENTRE American Women’s Auxiliary

$7,500 CREATION OF 2 SHORT EPT & MUSIC THERAPY EDUCATIONAL DVD’S Let the Children Play Auxiliary

[NB. Total cost $15,000]

$10,175 OARA NURSING CONFERENCE OARA

$50,000 DAME ELISABETH MURDOCH NURSING DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP Event - Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon

$20,606 PELICAN AUXILIARY NURSING SCHOLARSHIP Pelican Auxiliary

$25,000 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROJECT OFFICER Parkville Auxiliary

$41,427 ONCOLOGY FERTILITY SUPPORT FELLOW LARCH

$55,500 PHD STUDENTSHIP - DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE Kooyong Auxiliary

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STORIES FROM THE AUXILIARIES & OUR HOSPITAL

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SATELLITE PHARMACY The Satellite Pharmacy program is a significant initiative supported by seven Auxiliaries, symbolising the strength of Auxiliaries as a group, and the impact Auxiliaries can have across the hospital - literally.

A phrase often heard around the hospital is “world leader” and the Satellite Pharmacy is a great example of this. This initiative is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and what an amazing honour for Auxiliaries to be part of a leading program.

At the RCH there will be five satellite pharmacies, one on each floor of the inpatient building providing a ward based service centre for pharmacists, bringing them to the “coal face” of health care. The role of the pharmacist has certainly evolved over the years and many now take a more active role in patient care, working with healthcare professionals to achieve better health outcomes.

The Satellite Pharmacy currently located on the second floor is a large, fully staffed department providing comprehensive services to both inpatients and clinic patients in the Children’s Cancer Centre. The other four satellite pharmacies are designed to provide support for patients, more efficient dispensing services, pharmaceutical knowledge and a reduction in medical errors.

Importantly, there are specific benefits to patients. Hospitalised infants and children are seen to be at higher risk of adverse drug events because of their broad range of ages and sizes, limited physiology reserves and inability to communicate with caregivers. The Satellite Pharmacy approach will also reduce family waiting and discharge times.

The Satellite Pharmacy approach will also reduce family waiting and discharge times.

A staggering $426,000 was required to activate this initiative that supports research, salaries and five satellite pharmacies. The Auxiliaries that have collaborated to ensure this program is supported include: Caroline Auxiliary, South Western Auxiliary, Roxburgh Park Auxiliary, Templestowe Auxiliary, Footscray Yarraville Junior Auxiliary and Pankina Auxiliary.

Similarly to satellite pharmacies, the Auxiliaries operates like a satellite fundraising body with its work stretching far across the city and state. It’s thanks to the many, many volunteer hours of Auxiliaries that sick children, adolescents and their families continue to benefit.

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1000 BLANKETS When you’re unwell, snuggling up in a cosy quilt is a time-honoured tradition. Wrapped in Love Auxiliary is working to bring that sense of comfort to children staying at the RCH with the Very Snuggly Quilt Program.

Launched in 1999, it’s a labour of love for die-hard quilters across the state. Marie Lee, coordinator of quilt production, has been involved since 2007, when she caught the quilting bug upon retiring. Shortly after joining Wrapped in Love, Marie inquired about the status of quilt donations. Shocked that they didn’t have any, Marie infamously said: “we will have to see what we can do about that!”

Obviously, Wrapped in Love have done a lot. Quilters will frequently tell you that their hobby is addictive and it seems to be doubly so for those motivated by a good cause. Wrapped in Love donates between 150-200 quilts per month to children of all age groups, from premmies to teenagers. Each quilt is made with the same care and dedication as a personal gift and is valued at $125-$200 (depending on size). If you’ve done the math, you’ll realise that the group donates at least $225,000 worth of quilts every year.

However, despite their inherent value, absolutely everything that goes into making the quilts — fabric, labour — is donated. Many items are actually provided by families of children who received a quilt, highlighting that wonderfully contagious aspect of giving.

As they gift the quilts to children, Wrapped in Love Auxiliary also have the chance to meet many of the families and hear their stories. On numerous occasions, relatives of a child in the hospital are overwhelmed that such a beautiful gift would be given to their loved one. When asked why they take the time to craft quilts for strangers, Marie’s answer for them is simple:

“We like making quilts and have made these for children with life threatening illnesses to let [them] know the community cares.”

However, those that truly understand the impact these quilts make are the hospital staff. Everyone from doctors and nurses to cleaners and volunteers know when Wrapped in Love have stopped by, and all are touched by the contribution they make to the hospital.

“Families are genuinely surprised when they receive a quilt and appreciate the gesture of being given something so lovely for their child,” says Kym Bain, Clinical Nurse Facilitator in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. “The nurses love them too, because it helps to personalise a child’s space and the quilts really brighten the rooms.”

Any quilters interested in helping out are invited to participate in one of Wrapped in Love’s quilting days. There’s no obligation to join the Auxiliary and many hands make for light work!

Above: Ann Flowers, Lyn Weeks and Marie Lee from Wrapped in Love Auxiliary

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HAWTHORN AUXILIARY Janet Hooker had no idea a cup of tea would make such an impression. A group of mums interested in giving back to the community, Janet and her friends took the first step by attending a Cuppa for Kids at St. Joseph’s School in Hawthorn.

Aware of the RCH’s impact on sick children and their families, over tea the ladies learned about the contributions Auxiliaries make from Parkville Auxiliary’s Bev Noonan. Janet and her friends were intrigued, and Bev’s remark that Hawthorn Auxiliary was dormant further piqued their interest.

However, it was Alexander Gilbert and his family that really sealed the deal. A student at St. Joseph’s, Alexander has cerebral palsy and has been treated at the RCH. His mum Sandra inspired the group with positive stories about their experiences with the hospital and the role it plays in their lives.

Sandra’s insight confirmed that this was the philanthropic opportunity the group was looking for and they decided to relaunch Hawthorn Auxiliary.

“As mums of young children, it helped us to realize how blessed we are to have healthy children and it opened our eyes to the difference we could make to the sick children of the RCH,” says Janet, who is President of the new Hawthorn Auxiliary.

Janet and her team officially re-launched Hawthorn Auxiliary this May at the Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Festival. Featuring activities like handball, hair braiding and a lolly guessing competition (coincidentally won by a boy being treated at the RCH) their stall was a hit with attendees and obtained local business support for their cause. It was also a great introduction in the world of fundraising for their kids and the ladies want to make it an annual event.

“The children loved assisting with the running of these activities and it was a great way for them to understand how it feels to be involved in fundraising,” says Janet.

While the new Hawthorn Auxiliary is in its infancy, it already boasts 22 members and continues to grow. These dedicated ladies are currently reaching out to mothers at Hawthorn primary schools in hopes of engaging them for fundraising initiatives. One such initiative is a gold coin donation for casual clothes day, which they hope will become an ongoing program for all schools in the Hawthorn district.

Ideas like these appeal to them because they encourage “children fundraising for children”, which is the Hawthorn Auxiliary motto.

“We are all honoured to have this opportunity to reinvigorate the Hawthorn Auxiliary and we hope that by educating our own children, we will be able to inspire them to continue with our fundraising goals for the RCH as they grow older.”

Right, clockwise from top: Ladies of Hawthorn Auxiliary; kids working Hawthorn Auxiliary stall at Glenferrie Road Festival.

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LOOKING BACK - EDITH SPORLE Whilst glancing back through the Auxiliaries impressive and wonderful past, as is so often done when preparing the annual report, a particular member stood out. Not only is her length of association with the RCH truly remarkable, but her life in general became something of a fascination to the staff.

Miss Edith Sporle joined the Caulfield Auxiliary in 2001, but her passion for paediatric healthcare started when she had worked in administration with Medical Records and took shifts at the Casualty Admission Entrance in the ‘old old’ hospital on Rathdowne Street. Edith then transferred to the ‘old new’ hospital and was present when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened that hospital in 1963.

Edith’s long involvement with the RCH has allowed her to experience its fantastic growth and development over the years. She has dedicated the majority of her life to the service of the hospital, both in an administrative sense from 1957 to 1977, and in a compassionate and generous way through her involvement with the Auxiliaries program.

Edith has continued to show her support for the hospital through her eager participation in special luncheons, often bringing quite a number of friends and family along to help raise money for the RCH. The president of Edith’s Auxiliary group in Caulfield was truly impressed with her consistent attendance at all the major functions her Auxiliary held, commenting; “anything we had – special functions or lunches – Edith was there.”

Edith delighted in visiting The Ella Latham Theatre for her Auxiliaries Annual Meetings and Christmas luncheons. Her level of enjoyment for the social aspect of supporting the hospital was infectious to all around her. A particular source of pleasure for Edith was the walk taken through the hospital’s corridors on the way to charity events. It was a “trip down memory lane” as Edith saw portrait after portrait of familiar clinicians whom she had worked with at different hospitals over the years. Many Auxiliary members enjoy listening to Edith’s recollections about the past, observing fondly that she always had an interesting story to share from her time with the hospital.

The recent completion of the hospital’s latest building was witnessed by Edith along with her Auxiliary members during their 80th Annual General Meeting. They were entertained in a special room at the RCH, enjoying a lovely lunch and a guided tour of the ground floor.

The truly impressive length of time which Edith has dedicated over the years has spanned the completion of all three redevelopments of the hospital. This fact alone encourages a great level of admiration and respect - not only for what Edith has seen through her life - but what Auxiliaries have witnessed throughout its 92 years.

Some time ago the ladies of Caulfield Auxiliary agreed that when a member celebrated her 90th birthday, she was automatically exempt from afternoon tea duty. Edith was crossed off that list eightand-a-half years ago.

Edith’s dedication to the hospital shows just how amazing and integral the Auxiliaries members are. It cannot be denied that the consistent development and progress of the RCH may be attributed to the help and support of the Auxiliaries. There are so many generous members doing their bit every single day; working for the greater good of the hospital, with the aim of providing sick children with a chance at a brighter future.

Right: Edith at one of Caulfield Auxiliary’s monthly catch ups - June 2014

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GFA - KID S DAY OUT Once again the generosity and caring spirit of the Auxiliaries was true to form at the 2014 RCH Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out (GFA). The generous spirit of the Auxiliaries has provided a wonderful foundation from which support for the hospital has continued to blossom. Many of the Auxiliaries longest serving staff agree that it is wonderful to see the value of giving become an integral part of Melbourne’s community spirit.

This year saw the GFA relocate to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), and what an inspired idea it was! This ensured all who attended were able to experience the best that the GFA had to offer.

The overall success of the Auxiliaries’ stalls can only be described as superb, thanks to the dedication, love and support the volunteers provide on the day and throughout the rest the year.

It was wonderful to see the diversity of ages and backgrounds at the GFA in Auxiliaries volunteers. So many lovely people pulling together with the united purpose of raising money for the hospital to help enrich the lives of sick children.

The stalls were overrun with families and excited children eagerly participating in various arts and crafts activities. A record number of raffle tickets were sold, happy faces were painted and numerous volunteers agreed the atmosphere was brighter and more charitable than ever.

As the day progressed, and the attendance increased, the delicious smell of sausages, caramelised onions and other mouth-watering barbeque delicacies filled the Arts Cabriolet section of the MCEC, courtesy of the Victoria Police Soccer Club and the Melbourne Victory Football Club. With generous donations and profits going to the RCH, everyone felt double the satisfaction as they enjoyed their meals. Several members of the soccer club said the barbeque was a fantastic success, as did numerous families enjoying the events the day had to offer.

One of the highlights of the GFA was the array of mascots wandering through the MCEC. Children and parents smiled and laughed in equal measure as they took turns posing with their favourite characters.

A highlight mascot duo – the cheeky seagulls - pecked playfully at the hair of giggling passers-by, providing laughs for young and old.

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The fun list of activities on offer continued with the popular Teddy Bear Hospital, where happy trainee doctors from The University of Melbourne waited to greet and treat the teddypatients of all the excited children. The undeniable success of this fun and interactive activity was thanks to so many young medical students. For those who didn’t bring a teddy from home, there was the lovely option of ‘adopting a bear’ to look after. Jade, a trainee doctor in her fourth year at The University of Melbourne and second year helping with the GFA, said: “the day was a fantastic experience. It’s so nice to see families come together to support the GFA in this way.”

To add an extra layer of excitement to this already lively day, the GFA played host to a mixture of Channel 7’s favourite celebrities. The stars of My Kitchen Rules, Winners and Losers, and Home and Away kindly took the time out of their busy days to say hello to everyone. Signing autographs and posing for photos with delighted children and parents was one of the many ways these celebrities showed their support for the RCH, further promoting the already inspiring atmosphere of charity, support and love.

Other attractions on the day included a combination of the finest emergency services teams banding together in front of the MCEC. Wearing their various uniforms of bright yellow, green, navy etc, these men and women kindly offered their time and vehicles for the enjoyment and curiosity of many children. As children posed eagerly for photos in the seats of fire trucks, all agreed that the day’s turnout was truly impressive, despite the weather conditions. Members of the CFA from Langwarrin fondly said that “they are always happy to help the community, in whatever way”.

The yearly success of the GFA continues to grow as even more organisations and people get involved.

All images taken by RCH Foundation staff at the Good Friday Appeal - Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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MESSAGES FROM THE OLDEST...

FROM THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S AUXILIARY The American Women’s Auxiliary (AWA) was established over 80 years ago as an opportunity to bring American women and friends of America living in Melbourne together. Our membership ranges between 125 – 250 members at any given time, and many of our members are Americans who live in Melbourne for a short period of time.

Our purpose is two-fold. As an Auxiliary of the RCH, we provide support through fundraising and volunteer efforts. As a social organisation, we provide friendship and support to both new and longtime members.

Over the years, our organisation has raised over $4 million and provided hundreds of hours volunteering at the RCH. We have assisted thousands of women as they connect with others and make their home here in Melbourne.

We celebrate our cultural heritage with social events around many major American holidays and host two or three major fundraising events each year to raise money for the RCH. In 2013, we held the following fundraising events to raise funds for the Children’s Bioethics Centre: Kicks and Kroks – an event held at Etihad Stadium which involved attending a football game in the Members’ Seats and having the Harvard Krokodiloes (an Acapella group from Harvard University) entertain us at a reception in the Members’ Lounge, along with a silent and live auction. At Kicks and Kroks we raised approximately $16,000.

Memories of Melbourne – an event held in conjunction with The Block Arcade, to celebrate The Block Arcade’s 120th anniversary, comprising a fashion show (showing period pieces from the past 120 years) and a ‘high cocktail’. At Memories of Melbourne we raised approximately $21,000.

Halloween Extravaganza – our largest event of the year, with over 700 people attending, at which we celebrated Halloween in a fun, family friendly way! At the Halloween Extravaganza we raised approximately $9,000.

We also held the following, notable social events during 2013: Easter Eggstravaganza – our Easter Party comprising an Easter Egg Hunt and a BBQ for families.

Thanksgiving – a wonderful night celebrating all we are thankful for; held at Sandy by the Bay and attended by the US Consul General, the American Australian Association and the Australian American Association.

Cocktails at the Consulate – a Christmas Cocktail event held at the US Consul General’s home.

In addition to the above large events, the AWA holds smaller social events each month including a monthly Night Meeting the first Wednesday of each month. We also have 11 Activity Groups, which range from Book Club to Gourmet Lunch Club to a Moms n’ Tots Group. Via these Activity Groups, we try to provide something for everyone!

The AWA’s Vision is: Making a difference in the lives of others.

We do this by raising money for the hospital and providing opportunities for Americans to connect with one another and celebrate our cultural heritage.

We keep our members up-to-date on social events, activity groups, fundraising and volunteer opportunities through our website (www.awamelbourne.org), our twice monthly Stars & Stripes e-Newsletter and our annual AWAre Magazine.

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TO THE NEWEST AUXILIARY FROM RUTH MURRAY ABOUT FRESH STARTS I cannot tell you how long I have been involved with Auxiliaries at the RCH as things like that have never been important to me; however Amanda Caldwell pulled a photo out of the archives recently which was dated 2005. My journey began when I was invited to the CIKA Ball and had a very enjoyable evening. My husband, Peter, and I were impressed with the work that CIKA was doing and began giving, and then friendships were formed, with CIKA inviting me to join their committee. At first I baulked at this idea, as I actually didn’t think I was qualified to join this committed group because I had been blessed with two healthy children and my only trip to the RCH had been with my daughter who had an abnormal case of chicken pox. Can you imagine how happy they were to see us!

So after a little bit of encouragement from my husband, I became an extremely active member of CIKA, running the stalls in the hospital each month, a Christmas Market Night in my own home every year and helping organise their annual ball and all of the silent auctions for it with my friend Sharron Markovic. I was then invited on to the AEC in 2011.

During my time on the AEC there have been many discussions as to how we can encourage more people to join Auxiliaries, to keep this wonderful institution alive and well, because after all we are an ageing population.

Sharron and I decided that we would start our own Auxiliary and encourage the friends who had supported us and our events, to join us in raising funds for Cancer Research at the RCH. We also keep it based in our local community of Wyndham and try to get the whole community behind us.

On 7 October 2013, Cancer Crusaders, with our little lion logo and our catch phrase “funding the fight”, was born. It has been a short but extremely busy time for us since then. We have recruited 14 enthusiastic committee members and run functions such as a Christmas Market Night, a high tea, a dinner dance along with our monthly stalls at the hospital and are ecstatic to say that we have raised over $50,000. Our aim is to raise as much money as we can whilst having fun doing so. If you would like to follow what we are doing, you can do so on our brand new website www.cancercrusaders.org.au.

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DAME ELISABETH MURDOCH NURSING DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON This year’s luncheon was a spectacular event. The atmosphere at the Myer Mural Hall was electric with attendees – mostly made up of Auxiliary members – looking fabulous and bringing with them cheer and good will.

As chair of the event committee, Janet Spooner DGStJ, curated an outstanding event with the support of Caroline Duffield and others. The speakers Kerry Armstrong, Tim Watson (MC), Will Fowles (Auctioneer), Robyn Anderson (President), Sue Hunt (CEO), Louise Gourlay OAM (Patron), Melissa Heywood (DEM Scholarship recipient) and performer Richard Thomas who sang two beautiful songs, were warm and endearing, paying tribute to the wonderful work of the RCH. The raffle prizes for this event were perhaps the most extravagant and plentiful to date, which showed the wonderful support the Auxiliaries have from the corporate and business community. With so many generous supporters, it’s impossible to recognise everyone individually but our sincerest thanks to all.

This support enabled the event to raise over $83,000, which is a remarkable fundraising contribution to the hospital.

The purpose of the event is to raise money to support the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship, a scholarship named in perpetuity after the great Dame Elisabeth.

This year’s deserving recipient, Melissa Heywood, spoke beautifully and shared her ambitions.

Melissa has a vision that a truly ‘great’ children’s hospital can support a family through the most difficult of journeys, even if that journey ends with the loss of the child. Effective communication is a key enabler of palliative care. Every year the RCH Palliative Care team receives an overwhelming number of requests for communication skills’ training from clinicians who are struggling with these conversations on a daily basis.

The main focus of Melissa’s scholarship proposal is to implement and research a comprehensive communication skills training program to improve the support provided to dying children and their families. This iwll be done by building the capacity of those involved in caring for them to skilfully manage the difficult conversations that arise when a child is facing life-threatening illness.

At Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) the Program to Enhance Relational and Communication Skills (PERCS) is an internationally recognised leader in delivering educational programs to improve the communication skills of health professionals who deliver and discuss difficult news with paediatric patients and their families. The Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship provides the opportunity to partner with BCH to adapt and implement the PERCS Program here at the RCH. This will provide the opportunity to work closely with Dr Elaine Meyer from BCH. Her team has generously offered to share their expertise and their well-established educational and research frameworks.

The training program focuses on the teaching principle that, like clinical skills, communication skills can be improved through practice. A key component is working with actors to practice conversations in a safe environment.

The scholarship will provide the opportunity to visit and participate in the training programs at Boston, learn about teaching principles and how to facilitate workshops, and subsequently lead to the implementation of workshops here at the hospital.

Melissa has also been awarded a Paediatric Nursing Science Fellowship by BCH and site visits will provide the opportunity to attend fellowship educational forums. The implementation of a communication program at RCH will be the framework for the research clinical inquiry for this fellowship. Research will be a key component of this fellowship so collaboration with Boston in evaluating and researching the PERCS communication skills training program and teaching methods will be ongoing.

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Melissa’s project is well underway and she has already completed two very successful visits to BCH. These visits have provided an opportunity for Melissa to learn about the communication model, curriculum and workshop formats. For the next six months the project focus will shift to the development and implementation of the workshops.

Many exciting times ahead for our scholarship recipient.

Clockwise from top right: Auxiliaries Patron Louise Gourlay OAM with Janet Spooner DGStJ; Sue Hunt, CEO RCH Foundation, Melissa Heywood, Robyn Anderson, President and Kerry Armstrong; RCH nurses; Will Fowles in action.

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AUXILIARIES’ REPORTS 2013 – 2014 A N N UA L R E P ORT 2014

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ABSENT FRIENDS AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2010 President: Lyn Lewis Vice President: John Lewis Junior Vice President: Cameron Lewis Treasurer: Pam Aitken Absent Friends is a young and vibrant Auxiliary.

We are a small and dedicated family, even those of us who are not related.

Through market stalls both at the hospital and in other venues, an annual shopping tour and Bunnings BBQ and various other collection methods we raised just over $10,000 last year.

We also make Tenckhoff Bags for the babies going home on dialysis and would like to thank Lesley Mackie, Val Perry and Bev Steeden for all the hard work and love that goes into this project.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our supporters; Bunnings Cranbourne, Bendigo Bank Marriott Waters, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, and Pam and Russell Mackie at Cranbourne Indoor Sports Centre.

A M E R I C A N WOM E N ’ S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1931 President: Tiffany Lucas Secretary: Ashley Sneathen Treasurer: Marta Porter The American Women’s Auxiliary (AWA), was established over 80 years ago as an opportunity to bring together American women and friends of America living in Melbourne together. As an Auxiliary to the RCH, we provide support through fundraising and volunteer efforts. As a social organisation, we provide friendship and support to new and long-time members.

Over the years, our organisation has raised over $4 million. We have assisted thousands of women as they connect with others and make their home here in Melbourne. We celebrate our cultural heritage with socials around many major American Holidays and host two or three fundraising events each year to raise money for the hospital. To learn more about the AWA, please visit our website www.awamelbourne.org

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a RC He rs AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2004 President: Dianne Humphreys The aRCHers Auxiliary had a productive year with successful fundraisers at Andy’s and Paddy’s Markets. The aRCHers Auxiliary has funded research projects for the Stroke Unit in the past and continues to support research.

Di Humphreys and her team can always be seen at the Andy’s and Paddy’s markets selling scones, jam and cream. They are always very popular.

Much thanks is extended to Routleys Bakery who supply freshly baked scones which are snapped up very quickly by the stall holders and the public. aRCHers Auxiliary continues to be an enthusiastic and viable team who are committed to the work of the RCH.

BEA D S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2012 President: Jasmine Lai Secretary: Jo Buckle BEADS is committed to combating the effects of autoimmune diseases – which are on the rise in Australia and elsewhere – by helping to fund much-needed research, or by contributing to the running costs of the Rheumatology department.

We mainly raise funds by selling RCH merchandise such as the tote bags, and by raising donations through our contacts and networks.

BR I M BA N K TORC H AU X I L I A RY Formed 2003 President: Justin Moore Secretary: Erin Moore Treasurer: Cameron Petricevic Brimbank ToRCH Auxiliary has had another terrific year of fundraising for the RCH in 20132014 and looks forward to even greater success in the coming year! As is now a well-established tradition, our members and the many supportive friends of Brimbank ToRCH gathered together to collect for the Good Friday Appeal, raising over $8500. While the Appeal has been a mainstay of our fundraising efforts over the past 11 years, we are looking forward to some new events as our group of both old and new members and friends

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continue Brimbank ToRCH’s aim of making a real contribution to the RCH. We are also eagerly anticipating another significant donation to the neurosurgery department – the culmination of several years of raising money for this worthy cause. Thank you to all who have contributed in the past year, particularly to the wider Brimbank community who continue to inspire us with their generosity.

BROA DM EA D OWS AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1967 President: Janice Memery Secretary: Danielle Tabone Treasurer: Julie Beall This year we are focusing on getting to know the Auxiliaries Team. Craig Wright attended our AGM, and Robyn Anderson was guest speaker at our very successful high tea attended by over one hundred people. Phyl Brown also attended and we congratulated Phyl on receiving the Madge Tate Service Award in 2013. Sue Hunt spoke at a recent meeting and gave us an excellent insight into the RCH Foundation. Alex Staley from the Bendigo Bank has also met with our Auxiliary.

As most of our members work fulltime, meeting with these people has given us great insight into what happens in the RCH Foundation Office.

The Broadmeadows Auxiliary had a fantastic year in 2013 – 2014 and we saw our highest amount ever for the Good Friday Appeal. We look forward to continuing our fundraising to help sick kids get better!

C A NC E R C RU SA DE R S AU X I L I A RY

who have joined us on our committee, who are all very excited about Cancer Crusaders.

Our year thus far has included a Christmas Market Night, a High Tea, monthly stalls at the RCH, Good Friday Appeal stall, pricing goods to be sold in the pods at the RCH and a Dinner Dance. We were thrilled to hand over $26,211 to this year’s GFA after only a few months of operation.

Cancer Crusaders are well on the way to funding the Children’s Cancer Centre’s wish to employ a Clinical Trials Coordinator for a two year project for the treatment of brain and solid tumors.

Our motto is “Funding the Fight” and our goal is to raise as much money for Cancer Research as we can - while having fun doing so.

C A R I NG F R I E N D S OF C YST I C F I BRO S I S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2006 President: Pat Borcich Vic President: Yvonne Felton Secretary/Treasurer: Daryl Gunn Many thanks to all who helped us over the past year by providing us with knitwear, sewing and other forms of craft to stock our stalls at RCH. Their good work has enabled us to raise money to purchase a Portable Ultrasound Machine for the Respiratory Department. We also hope to be able to continue providing support services for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients and their families at RCH. Volunteering at RCH is so rewarding. We do it for the kids.

C A ROL I N E AU X I L I A RY

Founded: 2013 President: Janine Butterfield Secretary: Sharron Markovic Treasurer: Ruth Murray

Founded: 1951 Convenor: Ecila Engler

Cancer Crusaders was formed in October 2013

by Ruth and Peter Murray and Sharron Markovic.

While we are the “new kids on the block” as far as Auxiliaries go, we had been involved with another Auxiliary for many years.

Our Auxiliary is now in its 64th year and still working hard to raise funds for the RCH. One of the very successful, regular fundraising activities includes hosting a stall at Westfield Shopping Centre in Airport West. We also hold Christmas and Easter raffles, where we sell tickets at our local IGA Supermarket.

We decided to form our own Auxiliary and bring all of our fundraising back into our own community and involve our family and friends.

We have a very committed group of volunteers

We appreciate both Westfield and IGA for welcoming us to their premises and extend to them our thanks.

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We now actively fundraise through the stalls outside the RCH Auxiliaries Shop on a monthly basis.

C AS K I D S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1967 President: Bev Baltissen Vice-President: Jan Roberts Secretary: Robyn Anderson Treasurer: Denise Mudie CasKids has enjoyed another good year. We are a small but enthusiastic group who are very good friends. We raise our funds mainly through stalls that are held every month at the hospital; we have three external stalls.

We are very excited to confirm that in the last six years we have raised over $103,258 most of which will fund a Mediawall Interactive Screen for the Emergency Department. We meet most months and hold small fundraisers such as the Blue Illusion fashion parade, Essential Addition leather goods and Tupperware during which we include our Cuppa for Kids evening.

We also support the Young People’s Health Service which helps disadvantaged youth by donating toiletries and personal items. We have seven Life Governors of the Hospital and two Madge Tate recipients amongst our group.

C AU L F I E L D AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1932 President: Pat Piper Secretary: Barbara McIntyre Treasurer: Jillian Drysdale Our year started on an uncertain note as we had no official meeting point, but as time went on we settled into a pattern of homes and outings. We continued with our commitment to producing calico dolls, helped also by an outside craft group.

Several members attended the Auxiliaries AGM to farewell Carole Lowen and welcome new President Robyn Anderson.

also supplied our afternoon tea supported by family.

We sadly report the death of two members; Yvonne Walters was a member for 42 years, twice our President and also served as Vice President on the Executive Committee. Yvonne passed away in April and in July Jeanette Vardy, who had been an Auxiliary member 23 years also passed away.

Whilst our club is small, we remain positive in our commitment to raising awareness and funds towards our chosen research program, Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes.

C H A R L I ’S A NG E L S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2004 President: Susan Pretty Secretary: Alison Orum Treasurer: Ornella Crema Charli’s Angels Auxiliary has had a good year of fundraising thanks to the support of The Peninsula School and the Mount Eliza Bowling Club. These community groups are great contributors of funds to Charli’s Angels and the Children’s Cancer Centre. We are also excited that our local supermarket has included Charli’s Angels in its community benefits programme.

Our Easter raffle, thanks to the very chocolatey hampers created by year six at the Peninsula School, raised over $1,200, with the local Bendigo Bank selling many of the winning tickets.

Second hand books at the hospital markets are a wonderful source of income and the amazing crafts donated to the Auxiliary office are very popular at the Peninsula School Christmas Market.

We are very proud to have funded three substantial projects at RCH this year and look forward to more opportunities to help within the hospital.

A highlight of our year was an unexpected offer from Alma Club to hold one last function and in three weeks we put together a “Chocolate High Tea”. Our thanks go to Renaissance Chocolate from Rutherglen who gave us a hands on demonstration of making honeycomb then chocolate coating pieces for us to sample, they

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CH I LDREN’S FLYER FUND Founded: 1991 President: Shirley Crisp Secretary: Brendan Crisp We no longer actively fundraise, although we do have funds which we can draw upon to assist Tasmanian families with flights if no other avenue is available to them.

C H I P I N AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2003 President: Lauren Dunbabin Secretary: Karen Lay Treasurer: Charlotte Ballan Thank you to the “Chippers” families for all their support throughout the year. We have continued to raise funds which go towards our annual camps. Our other main fundraisers have included RCH Bake Sales and GFA collection tins.

We also had a development day to assist in our directions for the future.

C I K A AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1980 President: Sandra Lehrer Vice President: Ellen Webb Secretary: Bernie Dawson Treasurer: Steve Halligan CIKA was founded by parents who lost a child to a solid tumor. It is a small but active group with supporters in the wider community who realise the important role research has for children of future generations.

CIKA has committed to $520,000 over the next three years to fund research to enable individualised treatments for children with solid tumors to ensure positive outcomes.

CIKA will also be involved with supporting the establishment of a tumor bank which will enable access not only for local centres but also for nationwide research centres.

In the 2013 – 2014 financial year CIKA has raised $269,735. This amount could not have been possible if it weren’t for our great supporters.

There are many diverse fundraising events throughout the state that contribute to CIKA’s success in being able to continue supporting cancer research projects at RCH.

Some of our supporters were able to see the results of their hard work with a guided tour of the Research Laboratory at RCH on 3 March 2014.

C O U R AG E 4 K I D S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2006 President: Michelle Olinder Secretary / Treasurer: Trish Thomas Courage for Kids Auxiliary is frequently seen at the stalls outside the RCH Auxiliaries Shop, markets, shopping centres, where we sell RCH merchandise and home made treats to support our fundraising efforts for the hospital.

Special thanks to Trish, Trevor and Christine who so freely give their time to continue our fundraising efforts. Thank you!

C YST I C F I BRO S I S R E S EA RC H T RU ST Founded: 1999 President: Peter Hader Secretary: Silvia Pozzuto Treasurer: Leo Vargiu The Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust annually develops a calender of fundraising events.

Including the very popular CF Gala Ball and the Angling for a Cure Fun Run. As an Auxiliary we would like to collectively that and acknowledge the many patients and families who fundraise and donate to our work. Without your support we would not be able to achieve what we have done to date for our Cystic Fibrosis patients.

D O - BE E S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2006 President: Doris Tatman Secretary: Beryl Reeves Treasurer: Peter Tatman Do-Bees have come to the end of another rewarding year working to support the Department of Developmental Medicine.

In addition to regular stalls at the RCH and Colonial Fruits making bag sales at their fruit outlets, we have many supporters who form

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an important part of our fundraising. Former members of Ultimate Challenge Auxiliary still help greatly with bag sales, entertainment book sales and donations. Stall items have been donated by The Vermont Craft group through Karen MacDonald, The North Balwyn craft group through Helann Rowland and many of our individual friends.

Thanks to all our donors, in particular The EPR Red Hat Lady Group who held an auction and donated the proceeds to our Auxiliary. Without the help of so many generous supporters we could not offer the same level of assistance to a department which is doing such wonderful work assisting children with cerebral palsy, autism, and other such debilitating illnesses. We look forward to continuing to raise funds to support the work of the Department of Developmental Medicine.

E ZY BR EAT H I NG AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2006 President: Emma Webster Secretary: Heather Luedi Treasurer: Beat Luedi Emma commenced Ezy Breathing Auxiliary in 2002, mainly because we spent a lot of time in hospital with Tyler up on the fifth floor and she could see that the department responsible for treating children with breathing problems did not have the same level of support behind them as other departments. Emma felt very isolated; it is rare to meet other families in similar circumstances.

Emma decided to change this by creating Ezy Breathing Auxiliary. We are still quite small but we are able to hold our annual Christmas Party for all trachy children and their families at the hospital, so that inpatients - if well enough - can attend. This year is our tenth anniversary of this party. Emma holds stalls at the hospital as often as she can and we hold an annual trivia night to help raise funds. This year she ran the face painting “stall” for the Auxiliaries on Good Friday.

We work closely with respiratory nurse, Sue Ellen and try to help with her requests.

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FO O T S C R AY YA R R AV I L L E J U N I OR S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1960 President: Shirley Jenkins Secretary: Margaret Plowright Treasurer: Margaret Day We are fortunate to have the support of some wonderful friends who come each year to our functions which this year included three cinema luncheons, and a luncheon with a guest speaker.

We joined the fun at the hospital Main Street with stalls at the Winter, Andy’s and Paddy’s Markets, which were very successful. Our annual Easter stall was also very good with a couple of grandchildren to lend a hand.

We have been pleased to give financial support to setting up the new Satellite Pharmacy project and also enjoy helping out with the RCH Auxiliaries Shop once a month.

G E E LONG AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1976 President: Gwen Bromley Secretary: Jan Crockart Treasurer: Thais McCallum Our Auxiliary has enjoyed another successful year of fundraising, due to our enthusiastic and dedicated team members, along with many talented and creative local persons plus Melbourne and country connections. Our stalls always offer an amazing array of brilliant items to tempt our customers.

Our major fundraisers included our monthly RCH stalls, plus Paddy’s, Andy’s and a Winter market. Local Easter, Spring and Christmas stalls at Highton, plus joining Geelong Good Friday Appeal committee’s Family Fun Day, on Cunningham Pier. We also conduct a three day pre-Christmas Stall at Market Square Shopping Centre. Along with regular raffles, our sponsored Rotary car raffle, movie fundraisers and our annual High Tea at Hilltop.

Our members have also actively supported the RCH Auxiliaries Shop, Combined Auxiliaries meetings, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Luncheon and Living Treasures events.

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Our sincere thanks to the local businesses and community groups who give their support in many areas, including accepting our donation tins, which all helps to increase the amount we raise. All monies raised are used to buy vital equipment.

Thank you to our office bearers for their help and support, including Jan Wapling our Secretary of five years who is taking a well deserved break.

H AW T H OR N AU X I L I A RY ( PA N DY ’ S AU X I L I A RY ) Founded: 2013 President: Janet Hooker Secretary: Anna Duncan Treasurer: Geneviev Curtain Hawthorn Auxiliary was re-established in October 2013 following an informative and enjoyable Cuppa for Kids hosted at a local primary school by the Parkville Auxiliary.

Our enthusiastic 22 member strong base are very proud and honoured to have the opportunity of raising awareness and funds for the RCH in our local community.

We are also committed to educating the younger generations in the important work conducted by the RCH and are planning events focused on “Kids helping Kids”. Our first fundraising event was a successful Christmas raffle held at one of our local kindergartens. Our official relaunch into the wider community was an activity based stall for children, assisted by children, at the Glenferrie Road Festival on 4 May 2014.

We are actively planning further events for 2014 and beyond, and look forward to working together towards the longevity of successful fundraising by the Hawthorn Auxiliary. Many thanks to our members for their time and dedication to date.

H EA RT T H ROB AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1994 President: Rhonda Robins Secretary: Jenny Gordon Treasurer: Bernadette Trombetta Heart Throb funds and organises an annual camp for children referred from the Cardiac Unit – Koala Ward who have had heart transplants,

are waiting on a transplant, or who have chronic heart conditions. All have limited life expectancies.

Our year has been the usual fun mixed with friendship and fundraising from our small but very loyal members, who sold raffle tickets and manned stalls. This year we held our first “Mad Hatters Tea Party” and our second Trivia Night.

We have also had the support of campers Bec, Steph and Kris.

Our 2013 camp was held in November at Mt Eliza and we had 35 campers from all over Australia and 15 fearless leaders including doctors and nursing staff from the RCH. The camp provides a very important venue for the children to support each other and many life long friendships are formed. The camp also gives them the chance to share both their experiences and their journey with those who truly understand. Heart Throb Auxiliary is proud and privileged to have been there for these very special cardiac children for the past twenty years.

H EA RT TO H EA RT AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1989 President: Phyl Brown Secretary: Noel Smith Assistant Secretary: Val Wright Treasurer: Mary Richardson Our Auxiliary has had another successful and rewarding year. Our fundraising efforts include film days, luncheons, stalls at Gladstone Park and Lilydale Shopping Centre, Cuppa for Kids, working in the RCH Auxiliaries Shop, book stalls and raffles. We supported the Heart Throb Auxiliary camp with a cash donation of $1,500.

Thanks to all our members and friends for their support by donating knitwear and goods for us to sell at our stalls; it’s greatly appreciated.

Our fundraising enables us to purchase equipment for the Cardiac Unit. We have donated $69,000 to purchase equipment for invasive measurement of pressure and flow of blood vessels. The Auxiliary was proud to achieve this goal.

We also had a wonderful surprise at the combined Auxiliary AGM with our President Phyl Brown being given the Madge Tate Service Award. Phyl was greatly honoured that members A N N UA L R E P ORT 2014

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nominated her. Val Robson’s husband said it was equivalent to winning the Brownlow Medal!

I would like to thank the ongoing support of Mary, Noel, Val and all committee members.

H I DDE N T R EAS U R E S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2004 President: Marie Karamesinis Secretary: Karlene Lynch Treasurer: Allison Fairbank The Auxiliary was formed ten years ago to assist those with Turners Syndrome when an interested group was formed called The Victorian Turner Syndrome Association who then established the Hidden Treasures Auxiliary. The association was mainly involved in doing social research into the effects of Turners Syndrome on women.

I N V E R LO C H DI A BE T I C U N I T AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1997 President: Kerrie Beauglehall Secretary: Ross Beauglehall Inverloch Auxiliary was formed to raise funds for a screening program at the RCH following Kerrie’s daughter’s diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes 17 years ago. The program relies solely on Inverloch Auxiliary’s fundraising as it does not receive any hospital or government funding. 1,200 children are checked every year for early onset of diabetic complications. Professor Werther, Director of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at the RCH, and the Centre for Hormone Research at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute have reported that complications have been reduced from 30% to 2% since this program was implemented.

Inverloch Auxiliary raises its funds by holding an annual dinner dance and auction in Inverloch which is known as one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the district. The 2013 dinner dance raised the magnificent total of $50,000.

Kerrie continues to be inspired by her supporters who are willing to help sick children they have never met at the RCH.

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K NOX- S H E R BRO OK E AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1977 President: Gaye Forster Secretary: Lesley Goodall Treasurer: Lyn Elshaw Our Auxiliary has had another successful year, culminating in us proudly funding music therapy at the RCH. Several of our members have been fortunate enough to visit the hospital and witness first hand the amazingly therapeutic impact of music in seriously ill children. We look forward to continuing to support the RCH allied health team.

Throughout the year, our committed members gave freely their time and skills to raise money for the RCH; from morning teas (Cuppa for Kids), demonstrations (a cake of soap and perennial fashions) and lunches to weekend stalls, as well as both book and general stalls at the RCH. Our 36th birthday was celebrated in style in September by over 50 people with a lunch and speaker from Puffing Billy.

Our annual bus trip this year was to Marysville.

All who attended were touched by the efforts to rebuild the community following the bush fires and we were pleased to be able to support these community efforts.

Our sincerest thanks to all of those who assist throughout the year. New members are always most welcome.

KO OYONG AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1938 President: Marie Devereux Secretary: Caroline Hill Treasurer: Carmel Quinn The present committee consists of 12 members.

Our fund raising for 2013 amounted to $22,000 and this was raised by the following functions: A Ladies Doubles Tournament, two card parties, July Luncheon, trivia night and a day at the AAMI Classic.

Our bank balance at RCH totalled $151,000 in 2013 and, after a proposal from the Director of Developmental Medicine at the hospital, the committee was happy to fund three projects into research:

T H E ROYA L C H I L DR E N ’S H O S PI TA L AU X I L I A R I E S

• Clinical and Health Care and Training

worthwhile, while our participation in many markets had us showcasing the wonderful gourmet goodies our Auxiliary is famous for.

• Development of the Neural Tube Defects

A huge thank you to Helena who provides us with all the wonderful things to sell. The Dighton girls were again out in force for the GFA manning the phones.

Professionals of the future Ph.D Top Up Studentships; Register;

• Genetic and Epigenetic Investigation of Cerebral palsy and Autism;

The total cost being $145,500.

LA RC H AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1974 President: Christine Boulter Secretary: Emma Bridgeman Treasurer: Christine McRae LARCH is the Leukaemia Auxiliary at the RCH. It was established forty years ago in 1974 and raises in excess of $75,000 each year. In April an anniversary function was held in the hospital with many of the original members attending.

Each year we are very fortunate to receive many donations from the public. We also receive a regular donation from Ann and Doug Rathbone via the Yering Station Art Gallery and the amazing annual Sculpture exhibition which is also supported by Arnold Bloch Leibler each year.

There are regular stalls in the hospital which are supported by several amazing teams of knitters throughout Victoria and raise around $20,000 annually. This year we had our first Golf Day sponsored by Della Rosa Foods which had an amazing result for our fundraising. Each year in October we have a trivia night which is an event we all look forward to. We have a small band of active members and would welcome anyone who would like to join us.

L E T T H E C H I L DR E N PLAY AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1995 President: Rosalie Panasewycz Secretary: Natasha Tocknell Treasurer: Hayley Dighton Again a successful and fun year of fundraising was had by our small but passionate band of members.

Our annual book stall and numerous general stalls held at the hospital were as usual

The RCH Educational Play Therapy Department has made good use of the iPads and the numerous other items requested. They’ve also used the tactile toys made by the Templestowe Auxiliary using our supplies, which demonstrates the cooperation that exists within the Auxiliary network. Congratulations to Louise on the birth of her baby boy.

M E L B O U R N E S I N FON I A AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2004 President: David Halstead Secretary: Bronwyn Hewitt Treasurer: Tony Alexander The Melbourne Sinfonia Auxiliary is the hospital’s symphony orchestra which was established initially by musicians interested in raising funds for the hospital. Our declared purpose is to enjoy working together to play orchestral music to a high standard and to perform concerts, the profits from which will benefit the hospital.

We currently support RCH Gatehouse which provides crisis service and ongoing support to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused.

The orchestra comprises of over 50 musicians from a variety of professional and musical backgrounds. The players commit much time to the Auxiliary because significant rehearsal time is needed in addition to that required for the concerts themselves. Additionally we are supported by a number of non-musician volunteers, who provide and manage the supper at our concerts. We perform four major concerts each year at Methodist Ladies College in Kew. As would be expected with a full-sized symphony orchestra, there are expenses to recover. While we have good attendances at our concerts, there are always more seats which can and should be filled. We are constantly looking for new opportunities to increase ticket sales which are currently our only source of revenue.

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Thank you to our Musical Director, Joannes Roose, our dedicated Committee, the players and volunteers for their commitment and hard work.

Last but not least, a big thank you to our loyal followers who attend our concerts.

N E O NAT E M AT E S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2005 President: Judy Aussems Secretary: Lyn Flack Treasurer: Jane Stumpf We are a small Auxiliary consisting of six members. We have stalls in at the RCH twice a month as well as extra stalls throughout the year.

Family and friends donate goods which are sold at our stalls.

This year so far we have helped out with stalls at the Melbourne Flower Show and the GFA at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

All proceeds from these stalls go directly to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. We are also very fortunate that each year we are able to sponsor a cot in the Neonatal Department.

PA N K I NA AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1967 President: Margo Ferguson Pankina Auxiliary was established in 1967. Sadly time has taken its toll and there are now only a few members supporting the Auxiliary. We remain ever hopeful that new members are around the corner though.

One of the active, long term Auxiliary members, is Margo Ferguson who is 94 years old and the mainstay of running regular stalls on the pods at the RCH. She is provided with merchandise from her loyal band of Auxiliary ladies who are now scattered around the state.

Margo travels to the RCH by public transport which is amazing given she was knocked over and fractured her pelvis a few years ago. This year the Auxiliary has agreed to contribute to the Satellite Pharmacy project.

This year we are sad to say good bye to our friend Doreen West. Despite its dwindling membership, Pankina Auxiliary is looking forward to continuing its fundraising efforts for the RCH.

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PA R K V I L L E AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1946 President: Jenny Holmes Secretary: Jill Harrison Treasurer: Marilyn McInnes Our membership is strong at 19 but sadly we note the passing of Celine O’Brien on 29 August 2013. She was a much loved contributor to our group. The enthusiasm and camaraderie of our members was high this year as we continued to raise funds for valuable ongoing research projects for the Occupational Therapy and Psychology Departments at RCH. We are fortunate to enjoy a personal relationship with their staff and can see the impact of our ongoing support and interest.

Our fundraising evens strengthened our friendships as we manned the stall in Main Street, hosted Cuppas for Kids, ran raffles, a Mother’s Day themed pod stall and our very successful Christmas Gift Box stall. We would also like to thank Jean Cruikshank for her beautiful knitted toys, which our Auxiliary is honoured to sell at Paddy’s, Winter and Andy’s market days. They are obviously made with love and have become collector’s items for some staff!

We are thrilled that a major fundraising scheme initiated by Ken and Jill Harrison for the hospital has now come to fruition with the Bendigo Community Bank. This has huge potential to raise large amounts of money over many years.

Congratulations to Bev Noonan for inspiring a new Hawthorn Auxiliary after hosting a Cuppa for Kids.

We congratulate Jill Harrison on becoming a Living Treasure, well deserved for her support of the hospital over many years.

ROX BU RG H PA R K AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2004 President: Brenda Aisbett Secretary: Glenice Gardner Treasurer: Wendy Hancock We sponsor the intensive care unit and hold stalls on the pods twice a month selling knitwear and other items. We also hold two raffles a year and we work for the RCH Auxiliaries Shop selling their merchandise and helping them with whatever they need to have done.

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Clockwise from top: Templestowe Auxiliary; Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust Auxiliary; Footscray & Yarraville Juniors Auxiliary at the Winter Market 2014.

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We have presented ten year badges to two of our members and also five year badges to another two members.

S O U T H E R N R A I N B OWS AU X I L I A RY

Our team work well together and would like to thank the Auxiliary office for all their help over the past 12 months and look forward to their continued support.

Founded: 1967 President: Aggie Coyle

S M I L EY AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2005 President: Joan Courtney Secretary: Margaret Ash Joan Courtney and Margaret Ash have been inducted as Living Treasures. We also have four other members.

In addition to our members we have seven willing helpers involved in knitting, crochet, sewing, assisting on stalls and donating goods.

Our busiest day of the year is the Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out and in 2014 our stall at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre raised $10,000 for the hospital.

S O U T H W E ST E R N AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1953 President: Janine Sheen Secretary: Judy Conn Treasurer: Leanne Bartlett Our Auxiliary is busy like many others. We have seven members who are all very committed. This year our fundraising has included barbeques at Bunnings, trivia nights, catering for the Freemasons each month and also dinners every three months. Although it is a lot of work we enjoy doing these meals.

Our highlight was raising $21,660 on Good Friday by rattling tins at traffic intersections and with help from family and friends. Our Auxiliary is flexible in its support for the RCH; because we do not donate to one specific area, this ensures that the hospital has the ability to acquire the latest technology and equipment across all departments.

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I am so pleased to be part of the Auxiliary team.

I have been a member of Southern Rainbows Auxiliary (formerly Springvale Auxiliary) since 2000. I raise money for Cystic Fibrosis and associated chest conditions by holding stalls at the RCH once a month or sometimes once a fortnight. Most of the goods sold on the stall are provided or made by me and sometimes I sell merchandise as well.

Whilst I don’t have meetings, I have a good relationship with the Auxiliary staff who support me in any way they can. I am always looking for new members to join me. They would potentially be from Bayside area, for example Beaumaris, Sandringham or Hampton. At present I am negotiating with the Bayside council to enable me to hold a stall in Hampton Street every quarter.

S PE C I A L K I D S E B C AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2012 President: Lisa Smith Vice President: Brooke Johnson We support Developmental Medicine. Brooke’s son, had a stroke in utero and has hemiplegic cerebral palsy. He was our inspiration for starting an Auxiliary, as we have regular visits to the CP clinic and the RCH, and try to support the hospital as much as we can.

Before our Good Friday fundraiser at the Eildon Boat Club we had raised $43,350. At our Easter function we raised $13,500. Each year we hold a Good Friday fundraiser at EBC, and a footy flutter grand final day at EBC to raise funds.

ST K I L DA AU X I L I A RY Formed: 1922 President: Mavis Pope Secretary / Treasurer: Joh Kane The St Kilda Auxiliary was formed as a sewing committee, which made manchester for patients, uniforms for nurses and gowns for doctors. Our members worked at the Carlton hospital in the opportunity shop, kiosk and card shops. In recent

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years we have enjoyed being involved with stalls, RCH Auxiliaries Shop and many fundraising lunches.

For over two years in this beautiful hospital we have enjoyed working with many other Auxiliaries and Auxiliary members. We are looking forward to other combined events in the near future that give us an opportunity to work with like-minded friends.

We would like to thank our volunteers and supporters for their generous time and efforts over the past 12 months and look forward to increasing our membership and also raising more funds for Victoria’s sickest children.

ST ROK I D Z AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2006 President: Darren Kohne Secretary: Susi Di Palma Treasurer: Jackie Nielsen Strokidz was formed to provide support for children and families affected by stroke. As a group we offer peer support on a personal, informative and social level. Being parents of children that have suffered a brain injury, we are all aware of the wide ranging emotional effects and the medical conditions these children inherit, along with the emotional rollercoaster parents take in obtaining information about their child’s diagnosis.

Our main aim this year is to publish a children’s storybook about childhood stroke to explain to family, friends and classmates what has happened in a way that children can understand and relate to. We also participated in the RCH Run for the Kids. We will be having our Annual Christmas Picnic at Hayes Paddock in November this year.

We aim to help the Neurology Ward at the RCH through support, functions and information.

T E M PL E STOW E AU X I L I A RY

bag sales, money collection tins and a sausage sizzle. Knitwear, jams, chutneys and craft goods donated by Craftpaks Heathmont, Wandin CWA, members and friends are sold at our monthly stalls.

Andy’s and Paddy’s market day stalls are successful due to the fresh produce and cash donated by our orchardist friends.

This year we have donated $100,000 to the Satellite Pharmacy Project, $25,000 towards the Research Project Early Diagnosis of Fragile X Related Conditions in Children and $25,000 towards the Research Project Disorganisation Syndrome.

We are proud of our longest serving member, Doris Read, who received her award for 60 years of service – a great achievement.

We support the Platypus Ward and fund a parents get-together morning tea each week.

Finally, I would like to thank our wonderful members who so willingly volunteer their time in raising funds for the RCH.

T R A I L BLA Z E R S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2005 President / Secretary: Anne McGeary Treasurer: Di Powerland Trailblazers is one of the smaller Auxiliaries fundraising in a modest way for Developmental Medicine. Being few in members we feel limited in conducting successful activities for the dedicated team attached to the department. We have always focused on the propagation of plants to stock our stall at RCH through the year.

The Entertainment Books continue to be available through our Auxiliary and we regularly take part in the market days, in addition to selling wholesale books in the hospital.

The dedication of the staff in the developmental medicine department continues to inspire us.

Founded 1939 President: Anne Peter-Budge Secretary: Betty King Treasurer: Raelene Trotter We supported the RCH Auxiliaries Shop and hosted fundraisers such as quilt raffles, tote A N N UA L R E P ORT 2014

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V I VA RC H AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2002 President: Alexandra Lowen The vivaRCH Young Members team has enjoyed their 12th year of having fun whilst FUNdraising – giving social events a real purpose, and donating to the RCH to ensure pain management programs are available to everyone!

This year vivaRCH held two events – a races theme event with Melbourne Girls Grammar Young Grammarians and their tenth polo event at the International Polo Championship at Werribee Park.

The polo event at the International Polo Championship in February was the team’s tenth FUNdraiser at Werribee Park. Guests enjoyed the world class polo, with food by Raw Materials and wine by Vino Bambino. It was a spectacular day enjoyed by new and longtime supporters of vivaRCH. vivaRCH joined forces with the Melbourne Girls Grammar Young Grammarians for a successful event in October on Guineas Day, where all of the funds raised went to the RCH. The event was held at The Botanical in South Yarra, where they entertained guests with a live auction, including hats from Richard Nylon Millinery. The event was hosted by Kassidy Silver, vivaRCH’s Ambassador – a special girl who is another success story for RCH, having ensured she recovered from a brain tumor.

WA NG A R AT TA AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1977 President: Joan Armstrong Secretary: Jacquie Schwind Treasurer: Pat Griffin The Wangaratta Auxiliary had a productive year with successful fundraisers for medical equipment supported by the community and the welcoming of new members.

2014 saw $17,000 worth of previously raised money allocated to the Children’s Cancer Centre for a new spectra optia apheresis system and a further $10,000 raised from another busy year of fundraising.

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Throughout the last 12 months stalls, raffles, bus trips, sausage sizzles and hoy afternoons were organised.

Since 2013, the Auxiliary has gained six additional members. It’s in a healthy position to keep up its worthwhile work.

There’s also no doubt the choice of two year old Riley from Wangaratta, who has haemophilia and travels with his family to the RCH every three months, as the 2014 GFA poster child, has reinforced within our community the need for continued public support of the RCH.

WAV E R L EY AU X I L I A RY Founded: 1967 President: Louise Hastie Secretary: Beth Trebilcock Treasurer: Kath Walker Waverley Auxiliary raises money for the Department of Developmental Medicine which covers such things as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental delay problems.

We have raised money to support a program called Mother Goose which helps parents of disabled children care for them. We have supported this program over the past ten years by raising over $90,000.

Recently we supported one of the nurses to start up a program known as WEBCAM which helps parents to handle and cope with their child’s disability through online mediums.

Our three fundraising activities are the Spring Fashion Parade held each October (it’s now in its 16th year), a Football Raffle which we took over from Ultimate Challenge Auxiliary and raises approximately $10,000 during the month of July. The third main fundraiser is the Melbourne Singers Concert organised through Louise Hastie who is a member of the choir. We also conduct a Games Day at the home of one of the members, where we have great fun while raising $250.

In 2013 we said goodbye to our dear friend and committed member Daphne Cleghorn.

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W E R R I BE E LA DI E S FOR K I D S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2013 President: Val Willis Secretary: Alma Verity Treasurer: Mable Cornwill We have had a very successful year with the Good Friday Raffle raising over $7,000. We sold our raffle tickets at the RCH and also at shopping centres around Werribee. A special thank you to Heather and David Brett for putting the raffle together and organising the tickets amongst other helpful things.

Our monthly stalls have been well supported and another thank you to all of our helpers supplying us with knitted jumpers, rugs, scarves, hats and so on. We have a great band of workers. We find working at the stalls very pleasant and rewarding and we are looking forward to another successful year.

This program is possible by the generous donations of fabric, matting completed quilts and time by distributors and the quilters throughout Victoria and Australia.

Y E L LOW R I BB ON K I D S AU X I L I A RY Founded: 2001 President / Secretary: Jacqui Callil Yellow Ribbon Kids provides practical support for families of children with liver disease at the RCH, particularly aduring lengthy hospital stays.

Throughout 2013 and 2014 we continued this support through meals, accommodation and incidentals support for the families of those effected.

W R A PPE D I N LOV E AU X I L I A RY Formed: 2004 President: Lynette Blainey Secretary: Denise Reynolds Treasurer: Billy Jackson Wrapped in Love Auxiliary was formed under the Auspices of the Victorian Quilters Inc. to coordinate the gifting of quilts to children who are inpatients with a life threatening illness at the Hospital.

Formed: 2014 President: Louise Farley Secretary: Rebecca Green Treasurer: Adam Dooley

FF O SS T RE O H EP TH

BR I G H T STA RT AU X I L I A RY

Bright Start Auxiliary commenced as recently as June 2014 as a group of university students aged between 18 and 20. Our aim is to support as many RCH Departments as possible by using many varying fundraising activities including stalls, bake day’s and external events.

We are very keen to meet as many Auxiliary members as possible, to garther information on the best ways forward to support this magnificent hospital.

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AWARDS & RESULTS

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MADGE TATE SERVICE AWARD Phyl Brown accepting the 2014 Madge Tate Service Award

Established in 1994, the Madge Tate Service Award is named after the late Madge Tate who was a member of Croydon Auxiliary from 1932 until her passing in 1992.

This prestigious award is a means of recognising an eminent Auxiliary member’s dedicated and extraordinary service to Auxiliaries.

PHYL BROWN As President of Heart to Heart Auxiliary for the past seventeen years, Phyl has been instrumental in raising vital funds for the RCH. In the past year alone, Phyl has raised almost $10,000 for sick children and their families at the RCH through regular fundraising stalls at her local shopping mall, Cuppa for Kids events, raffles and social outings.

A DEDICATED VOLUNTEER AND FUNDRAISER On top of this, Phyl is a dedicated RCH volunteer as well as fundraiser, having offered her time to help others at the hospital over the past 25 years in many different volunteer roles.

Described as motivated, enthusiastic and caring by her peers Phyl is “always the first to offer her service for any fundraising opportunities that arise,” explained Val Wright, Assistant Secretary of Heart to Heart Auxiliary who helped nominate Phyl for the award. “She wanted to make a difference after losing her young niece at the age of six due to neuroblastoma.”

INSPIRED TO HELP OTHERS BY HER OWN FAMILY’S LOSS A truly exceptional Auxiliary member, Phyl is also a Living Treasure, which is made up of Auxiliary members who have devoted themselves to our common goal and made an exceptional contribution.

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MADGE TATE - PAST WINNERS YEAR WINNER

AUXILIARY

2013

Phyl Brown

Heart to Heart Auxiliary

2012

Robyn Anderson

CasKids Auxiliary

2011

Margaret Greenwood

Heart to Heart Auxiliary /CIKA

2010

Shirley Jones

Footscray Yarraville Juniors Auxiliary

2010

Rhonda Robins

Heart Throb Auxiliary

2009

Peggy Mathison

Parkville Auxiliary

2008

Irene Hubbard

Prem Bubs Auxiliary

2008

Kerrie Beauglehall

Inverloch Diabetic Camp Auxiliary

2007

Sandra Lehrer

CIKA

2006

Pat Osbourne

Waverley Auxiliary

2006

Anne Peter-Budge

Templestowe Auxiliary

2005

Olive Cooper

Heart to Heart Auxiliary

2004

Beth Trebilcock

Waverley Auxiliary

2004

Joyce Keast

Pankina Auxiliary

2003

Pat Griffin

Wangaratta Auxiliary

2003

Doris Read

Templestowe Auxiliary

2002

Bill Gordon

Heart Throb Auxiliary

2001

Loris King

Ivanhoe Auxiliary

2000

Dol Blunt

Caroline Auxiliary

1999

Mavis Pope

St Kilda Auxiliary

1998

Phyll Unsworth

Frankston Auxiliary

1997

Dorothy Knight

Pankina Auxiliary

1997

Joan Mackechnie

Pankina Auxiliary

1996

Robyn Riseley

CasKids Auxiliary

1995

Bette Chambers

Parkville Auxiliary

1994

Maude Ham

Broadmeadows Auxiliary

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LONG SERVICE AWARD S Awarded between July 2013 and June 2014

6 0 Y EA R S

Pam Burch Heart to Heart Auxiliary

American Women’s Auxiliary

Doris Read Templestowe Auxiliary

Teresa Warren St Kilda Auxiliary

Joy Costello Caulfield Auxiliary

5 0 Y EA R S

20 Y EA R S

Annette Ralph Heart to Heart Auxiliary

June Atkinson Caroline Auxiliary

Lisa Capper American Women’s Auxiliary

10 Y EA R S

4 0 Y EA R S

Denise Daday American Women’s Auxiliary

Cindy Zerbe American Women’s Auxiliary

Mary Lennox Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Dagnija Skulte American Women’s Auxiliary

Joan McRae Waverley Auxiliary

Evelyn Weiss American Women’s Auxiliary

Pauline Gray Broadmeadows Auxiliary

35 Y EA R S Jean Patience Caulfield Auxiliary Shirley Scott CasKids Auxiliary

30 Y EA R S Barbara Sutherland American Women’s Auxiliary Peg Benham Geelong Auxiliary

25 Y EA R S Susan Rossi American Women’s Auxiliary Jan Stephens Waverley Auxiliary Pat Piper Caulfield Auxiliary Margaret White Geelong Auxiliary Joy McDonald Geelong Auxiliary Phyl Brown Heart to Heart Auxiliary Olive Cooper Heart to Heart Auxiliary

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Lois Berghoff Waverley Auxiliary Barbara Carroll Waverley Auxiliary Anne McGeary Trailblazers Auxiliary

Lindsay Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Debbie Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Mikayla Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary

1 5 Y EA R S

Jack Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary

Anna Field American Women’s Auxiliary

Helen Raczynski Roxburgh Park Auxiliary

Anne Casey American Women’s Auxiliary Carlene Charlton American Women’s Auxiliary Debbie Kimberley American Women’s Auxiliary Fay Thorne American Women’s Auxiliary Janette Cleveland American Women’s Auxiliary Nena Reid

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Jamie Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Peter Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Joel Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Antoinette Cartwright Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Bernadette Grech Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Thelma Keyser Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Sue Maxwell Geelong Auxiliary Kathy Anderson Geelong Auxiliary

Margaret Elford Geelong Auxiliary

Carolyn Lee Waverley Auxiliary

Barbara Duff Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Verita Crook Waverley Auxiliary

Amy Yu Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Beryl Hale Waverley Auxiliary

Joyce Curnow Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Ellen Funston Caulfield Auxiliary

Robyn Funston Caulfield Auxiliary

Julie Mawson Caulfield Auxiliary

5 Y EA R S

Fiona Phillips Caulfield Auxiliary

Ann Salmon American Women’s Auxiliary Carrie Clanton American Women’s Auxiliary Elizabeth Jones American Women’s Auxiliary Heather Pfaff Cunsolo American Women’s Auxiliary

Tara Valentine Geelong Auxiliary Linda Smith Geelong Auxiliary Sandra Jones Smiley Auxiliary Lyn Cowley Smiley Auxiliary Rod Jones Smiley Auxiliary

Jill Gilmartin Mitchell American Women’s Auxiliary Lillian Nejad American Women’s Auxiliary Joy Villalino American Women’s Auxiliary Karen Campbell American Women’s Auxiliary Kathy Keating American Women’s Auxiliary Lanette Porritt American Women’s Auxiliary Louise Hastie Waverley Auxiliary

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LIVING TREASURES We are extremely proud to honour our ‘Living Treasures’. These are Auxiliary members who have devoted themselves to our common goal, and made an exceptional contribution. The Living Treasures are the embodiment of the highly respected and valued institution that is Auxiliaries and their presence ensures that our future is bright.

Louise Gourlay OAM Davina Johnson OAM Carole Lowen Former President Brian Mallon Former RCH Foundation Executive Director Helen Carroll Former RCH Staff Jo Allen Brenda Aisbett Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Lenette Anderson Templestowe Auxiliary Dawn Anderson Wangaratta Auxiliary Robyn Anderson CasKids Auxiliary Maree Andrews Pankina Auxiliary Carolyn Appelbe American Women’s Auxiliary Judith Arms Pankina Auxiliary Joan Armstrong Wangaratta Auxiliary Margaret Ash Smiley Auxiliary June Atkinson Caroline Auxiliary Bev Baltissen CasKids Auxiliary

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Margaret Barker Pelican Auxiliary Marie Baulch LARCH Kerrie Beauglehall Inverloch Auxiliary Marjorie Beaumont Geelong Auxiliary Heather Beggs Pelican Auxiliary

Auxiliary Lyn Brunker Templestowe Auxiliary Lady Virginia Buchan American Women’s Auxiliary Pam Burch Heart to Heart Auxiliary Ron Caddy Templestowe Auxiliary Val Caddy Templestowe Auxiliary Joan Carroll Southern Rainbows Auxiliary

Wendy Crisp Let The Children Play Auxiliary Val Davis OAM St Kilda Auxiliary Bernadette Dawson CIKA Jim Dawson CIKA Margaret Day Footscray & Yarraville Auxiliary Maria De Poi Heart to Heart Auxiliary Marie Devereux Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Auxiliary Annette Dibattista CPR

Doreen Bellenger ABC Auxiliary

Lola Castro American Women’s Auxiliary

Nance Black Pankina Auxiliary

Joy Clarke CasKids Auxiliary

Lesley Blamey Toorak/South Yarra Auxiliary

Graeme Clark OARA

Hayley Dighton Let The Children Play Auxiliary

Graham Blight LARCH

Maureen Cody Cystic Fibrosis Research Auxiliary

Andrew Duyvestyn CIKA

Carol Blight LARCH

Rod Cole OARA

Chrissie Boulter LARCH

Lesley Cole Geelong Auxiliary

Louisa Edmunds Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Barbara Bourke South Western Auxiliary

Judy Conn South Western Auxiliary

Marj Evans Pelican/Waverley Auxiliary

June Box LARCH

Olive Cooper Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Nola Fairbairn CasKids Auxiliary

Dorothy Boyle Geelong Auxiliary Joan Bradbury Pelican Auxiliary Dawn Bredin Waverley Auxiliary Phyl Brown Heart to Heart

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Joan Courtney Smiley Auxiliary Aggie Coyle Southern Rainbows Auxiliary Marion Crawford Wangaratta Auxiliary

Barbara Dickinson American Women’s Auxiliary

Christine Duyvestyn CIKA

Margot Ferguson Pankina Auxiliary Margaret Fisher Southern Rainbows Auxiliary Diana Fletcher Black Rock Auxiliary

Isobel Foote Wangaratta Auxiliary

Jill Harrison Parkville Auxiliary

Doris Fraser American Women’s Auxiliary

June Hawkins Southern Rainbows Auxiliary

Glenda Fraser Templestowe Auxiliary

Phyl Hill Geelong Auxiliary

Glenice Gardner Roxburgh Park Auxiliary

Caroline Hill Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Auxiliary

Phyllis George Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Auxiliary

Gael Holliday Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Margaret Giulieri Pelican Auxiliary

John Hooper LARCH

Pat Glazner Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust Auxiliary

Phil Hooper LARCH

Bill Gordon Heart Throb Auxiliary Jenny Gordon Heart Throb Auxiliary Bev Gosbell LARCH

Margaret Howe Footscray & Yarraville Auxiliary Irene Hubbard Prem Bubs Auxiliary Tony Hubbard Prem Bubs Auxiliary

Betty Lane American Women’s Auxiliary

Margaret McPherson Footscray Yarraville Auxiliary

Joan Latreille Toorak/South Yarra Auxiliary

Christine McRae LARCH

Edna Lavelle Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Auxiliary Joan Layet Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Auxiliary

Lynne Millar American Women’s Auxiliary

Steve Lehrer CIKA

Denise Mudie CasKids Auxiliary

Beryl Logie Pankina Auxiliary

Elsie Munnerley

Joan Lord Black Rock Auxiliary Margot Lord LARCH & Pankina Auxiliary Barbara Love LARCH

Bev Hume Heart to Heart Auxiliary

John Graham Oesophageal Atresia Research Auxiliary

Dianne Humphreys Archers Auxiliary

Graham Love LARCH

Shirley Jenkins Footscray & Yarraville Juniors Auxiliary

Linda Lovell Roxburgh Park Auxiliary

Joyce Johnson Geelong Auxiliary

Rosemary Macan United Auxiliary

Katherine Karakizis American Women’s Auxiliary

Peggy Mathison Parkville Auxiliary

Margaret Greenwood CIKA & Heart to Heart Auxiliary Pat Griffin Wangaratta Auxiliary Noelene Hammond LARCH Wendy Hancock Roxburgh Park Auxiliary Paul Hannan Viva Young Members Auxiliary

Joyce Keast Pankina Auxiliary Debbie Kimberley American Women’s Auxiliary Cheryl Kline LARCH

Laura Memery Broadmeadows Auxiliary

Sandra Lehrer CIKA

Rob Gosbell LARCH

Pauline Gray Broadmeadows Auxiliary

Janice Memery Broadmeadows Auxiliary

Fay Love CIKA

Betty McConville Pankina Auxiliary Anne McGeary Trailblazers Auxiliary Shirley McGregor LARCH Judith McKenna Beaumaris Auxiliary

Kaye Murphy CIKA Auxiliary Wilma Neville Knox-Sherbrooke Auxiliary Wendy O’Meara Wangaratta Auxiliary Lottie Orgrizovic Pelican Auxiliary Alison Orum Charli’s Angels Auxiliary Pat Osborne Waverley Auxiliary Bohdan Panasewycz Let the Children Play Auxiliary Rosalie Panasewycz Let The Children Play Auxiliary Helena Panasewycz Let The Children Play Auxiliary Jean Patience Caulfield Auxiliary Vi Patten Pankina Auxiliary Kirrie Perree Waverley Auxiliary

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Jocelyn Perry Toorak/South Yarra Auxiliary

Val Robson Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Anne Peter-Budge Templestowe Auxiliary

Margaret Rogers Geelong Auxiliary

Betsy Van Eyk Knox-Sherbrooke Auxiliary

Pat Piper Caulfield Auxiliary

Elizabeth Royce Pelican Auxiliary

Margaret Plowright Footscray Yarraville Juniors Auxiliary

Valerie Saunderson Beaumaris Auxiliary

Alma Verity Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary

Mavis Pope St Kilda Auxiliary Mario Pozzuto Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust Auxiliary Rose Pozzuto Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust Auxiliary Susan Pretty Charli’s Angels Auxiliary Carmel Quinn Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Auxiliary Ann Rathbone LARCH Doug Rathbone LARCH Doris Read Templestowe Auxiliary Jan Regester Willy Seagulls Auxiliary

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Margery Schreppel Waverley Auxiliary Gail Simpson CasKids Auxiliary Dorothy Sizeland Waverley Auxiliary Noel Smith Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Raelene Trotter Templestowe Auxiliary

Kath Walker Waverley Auxiliary Edna Wallis Pelican Auxiliary David Webb CIKA Ellen Webb CIKA Yvonne Walters Caulfield Auxiliary

Norma Stanton Pelican Auxiliary

Betty West LARCH

Joyce Stephenson Geelong Auxiliary

Val Willis Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary

Audrey Stewart Waverley Auxiliary Pat Stolp Geelong Auxiliary Dani Tabone Broadmeadows Auxiliary Doris Tatman Do-Bees Auxiliary Robyn Thexton CasKids Auxiliary

Mary Richardson Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Hazel Thomas LARCH

Robyn Riseley CasKids Auxiliary

Keith Thomas LARCH

Jan Roberts CasKids Auxiliary

Dot Timmerman Waverley Auxiliary

Pat Roberts Broadmeadows Auxiliary

Natasha Tocknell Let the Children Play Auxiliary

Rhonda Robins Heart Throb Auxiliary

Beth Trebilcock Waverley Auxiliary

Geoff Wilson Willy Seagulls Auxiliary Isobel Wilson Willy Seagulls Auxiliary Elizabeth Wilson Waverley Auxiliary Val Wright Heart to Heart Auxiliary

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VALE With fond memories, we acknowledge the following Auxiliary members who were inducted as Living Treasures, and have now passed away.

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Grace Cuming OAM DSJ Dame Patricia MacKinnon DBE Marjorie Beaumont St Kilda Auxiliary Betty Bengtsson Heart to Heart Auxiliary Dorothy Blackie Templestowe Auxiliary Dol Blunt Caroline Auxiliary Daphne Cleghorn Waverley Auxiliary Marcia Cooke Syd Cooper Jean Diffey Edna Elliott Caroline Auxiliary Evelyn Foreshaw Joan Gainger Southern Rainbows Auxiliary Ida Geary Williamstown / Pankina Auxiliary Margaret Hand Peggy Hughes Toorak/South Yarra Auxiliary

Loris King Ivanhoe Auxiliary Edna Klestadt Dorothy Knight Pankina Auxiliary Ivy Milgate Caroline Auxiliary

This year we sadly lost some of our dearest friends and though they are no longer with us, we treasure their memory, their legacy and their contribution to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

Our thoughts are with their families and friends.

Lynne Millar American Women’s Auxiliary

Daphne Cleghorn Waverly Auxiliary

Dorrie Muir

Grace Cuming Camberwell Canterbury Auxiliary

Ena Paterson Ivanhoe Auxiliary Jean Powell Sadie Richey LARCH Sue Reeve

Carmel Laws Werribee Ladies for Kids Doroth Jean McDonald Medical Wives Auxiliary and Former League of Trainees

Shirley Ryan Heart to Heart Auxiliary

Celine O’Brien Parkville Auxiliary

Nanette Smart Pankina Auxiliary

Janette Vardy Caulfield Auxiliary

Gwen Smith Pankina Auxiliary

Yvonne Walters Caulfield Auxiliary

Olive Swift Caulfield Auxiliary Val Thomas

Doreen West Pankina Auxiliary

Phyl Unsworth Frankston Auxiliary Dorothy Waters Dorothy Waters Auxiliary Dawn Weir Southern Rainbows Auxiliary Doreen West Pankina Auxiliary Pat Windmill

Thelma Hudson Lord Somers Auxiliary Mary Hyland Joyce Keast

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GRACE CUMING - RCH HERO Role models; Grace Cumming OAM DSJ, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE and Dame Patricia MacKinnon DBE

Long-time supporter Grace Cuming OAM DSJ peacefully passed away on the 2 April 2014.

Grace generously gave over forty-five years of devoted and distinguished honorary service to the community, beginning her association with the hospital when she joined the Camberwell Canterbury Auxiliary.

In 1964 she became the Vice President of the RCH Volunteer Service representing the RCH Committee of Management. She later became the President of the RCH Volunteer Service, retiring in 1980 when she was appointed the Vice President of the RCH Committee of Management, a position she held until 1984.

Other tributes include Life Governor of the RCH, Honorary Life Member of the RCH Volunteer Service and Living Treasure of the Auxiliaries.

Grace was a dedicated and remarkable woman who will be remembered for all that she achieved for the hospital.

Left: Around the RCH (photo’s courtesy of RCH Education Resource Centre

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2013/ 2014 RESULTS

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Absent Friends Auxiliary

$11,476

American Women’s Auxiliary

$63,200

aRCHers Auxiliary

$1,609

BEADS Auxiliary

$1,162

Beyond Sight Auxiliary

$17,106

Brimbank Torch Auxiliary

$1,061

Broadmeadows Auxiliary

$14,583

Cancer Crusaders Auxiliary

$26,211

Cancer In Kids Auxiliary (CIKA)

$269,735

Cardiac Paediatric Research Auxiliary

$3,487

Caring Friends of CF Auxiliary

$30,420

Caroline Auxiliary

$15,379

CasKids Auxiliary

$29,482

Caulfield Auxiliary

$2,910

Charity Works For Kids Auxiliary

$2,024

Charli’s Angels Auxiliary

$2,981

Children’s Flyers Fun Auxiliary

$449

Chip In Auxiliary

$1,334

Comfort for Kids Auxiliary

$936

Courage for Kids Auxiliary

$3,634

Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust Auxiliary

$108,008

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Auxiliary

$74,821

Do-Bees Auxiliary

$20,753

Ezy Breathing Auxiliary

$606

Footscray Yarraville Juniors Auxiliary

$9,215

Geelong Auxiliary

$42,426

Haux (Haemophilia) Auxiliary

$4,755

Hawthorn Auxiliary

$496

Heart Throb Auxiliary

$43,555

Heart To Heart Auxiliary

$21,097

Hidden Treasures Auxiliary

$2,006

Inverloch Diabetic Unit Auxiliary

$84,141

Knox - Sherbrooke Auxiliary

$25,075

Kooyong Lawn Tennis Auxiliary

$27,325

LARCH

$75,697

Let the Children Play Auxiliary

$8,903

T H E ROYA L C H I L DR E N ’S H O S PI TA L AU X I L I A R I E S

Neonate Mates Auxiliary

$15,778

OARA

$4,139

Pankina Auxiliary

$2,463

Parkville Auxiliary

$37,618

Pelican Auxiliary

$1,821

Prembubs Auxiliary

$45,190

Roxburgh Park Auxiliary

$21,907

Smiley Auxiliary

$26,641

South Western Auxiliary

$28,590

Southern Rainbows Auxiliary

$5,093

Special Kids EBC Auxiliary

$26,706

St Kilda Auxiliary

$11,385

StroKidz Auxiliary

$854

Templestowe Auxiliary

$47,578

The Children’s Brain Tumour Association

$4,072

The Melbourne Sinfonia Auxiliary

$220

Trailblazers Auxiliary

$4,993

VivaRCH Young Members Auxiliary

$14,423

Wangaratta Auxiliary

$11,414

Waverley Auxiliary

$37,384

Werribee Ladies For Kids Auxiliary

$28,605

Willy Seagulls Auxiliary

$1,415

Yellow Ribbon Kids Auxiliary

$6,720

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THANKS This Auxiliaries Annual Report is a collaborative effort. Thanks to the following people whose help and expertise is invaluable.

In no particular order: Robyn Anderson, Denise Mudie and all the members of the AEC, Louise Gourlay OAM, Bert Di Paolo, Bronwyn Hewitt, RCH Foundation staff, Stuart Anderson of BPA Print Group.

Special thanks to the RCH staff members and Auxiliary members who so graciously gave their time to be interviewed.

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THE TEAM Chief Executive Officer Sue Hunt sue.hunt@rch.org.au

Auxiliaries Liaison - Events Caroline Duffield caroline.duffield@rch.org.au

Business Manager Andrew Long andrew.long@rch.org.au

Auxiliaries Liaison - Events Laurel Leigh Chettiar on leave

Auxiliaries Coordinator Craig Wright craig.wright@rch.org.au

Auxiliaries Liaison Administration Amanda Caldwell amanda.caldwell@rch.org.au

Auxiliaries Liaison - Retail Monique Thomas gift.shop@rch.org.au

CREDITS Words: Jemma Altmeier, Alicia Olive, Denise Mudie, Robyn Anderson, Craig Wright, Abby Goldie Design: Caitlin Smooker Printing: Stuart Anderson of BPA Print Group Photos: RCH Foundation, RCH Education Resource Centre, GFA photos provided courtesy of the Herald Sun.

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THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HO SPITAL FOUNDATION Level 4, 50 Flemington Road Parkville VIC 3052 Administration Office Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Enquiries P. +61 3 9345 5037 F. +61 3 9345 6900 E. auxiliaries.office@rch.org.au www.rchfoundation.org.au/auxiliaries

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