How often do you get to enjoy world-class entertainment and make a difference to your local hospital at the same time?
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The answer is probably not that often, but that very chance will present itself in just a few weeks’ time when renowned Australian singer and actress Marina Prior performs at the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club as part of a Pambula District Hospital Auxiliary fundraiser.
An award-winning soprano, Ms Prior will perform a one-off show at the club from 8pm on Saturday, July 26, with a two-course meal thrown in for just $65 at 6pm.
The multi-talented David Cameron will be alongside her on piano.
The event is sponsored by Eden Gas & Gear and Eden Motor Group, who each presented the auxiliary with $1000 cheques on Thursday.
Auxiliary vice-president Susan Stephenson says the funds raised will go towards the purchase of a portable ultrasound for the hospital, designed to provide point-of-care treatment for patients.
“This is a very new and up-to-date piece of equipment, which can be used in the emergency department or in the wards,” Susan said.
“One person can handle it, whereas normally they’re big machines in their own special room.
“We’re hoping to raise around $7000-$8000 from the concert, and that money, coupled with a substantial bequeath that was made to the hospital by a private citizen, and other funds that have been raised through barbecues, street stalls and raffles, will hopefully seal the purchase of the equipment for our hospital.”
Susan thanked concert organisers Daryl and Angie Dobson for their work, and for underwriting the cost of the event.
Daryl said he raised the idea of a Marina Prior concert with the auxiliary committee, who were thrilled to accept his offer.
“Marina Prior was here roughly two years ago for a different concert, and she’s always expressed the interest in coming back,” he said.
“A very good friend of mine, who flew her here last time, has offered to fly her back free of charge.
“She’s going to be putting on a new concert, so anyone who saw her two years ago can come and enjoy a different show.”
Susan also said the committee greatly appreciated the support of local businesses Eden Gas & Gear, and Eden Motor Group, for their generous donations.
Eden Gas & Gear’s Melanie Warren said it is vital to lend a hand to such a valuable community service.
“I think that the hospital is a vital facility for this area, especially with the upgrade of the wharf, which will hopefully bring more people into town,” she said.
“We actually had to use it on the weekend for our two-year-old, and I would’ve hated to have driven another 30 minutes or so to Bega with a really sick two-year-old in the back of the car.
“It’s just really important for the whole southern part of the shire.”
Tickets go on sale at the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club at 10.30am Monday, July 14.
The club can be contacted by phone on 6495 6154.
The Pambula District Hospital Auxiliary is making a desperate appeal for new members, as the group fights to save the emergency department.
Auxiliary vice-president Susan Stephenson says it is vital to have a better cross-section of members from across the region.
“We’ve only got a small team; there is only one man among us, and our average age is just under 80,” she said.
“To me, that’s not good enough for an area that’s as big as what we’ve got; we go right down to Mallacoota, out to towns like Wyndham, and up as far as Tathra.
“It only costs $5 to become a member, and we really do encourage residents of our area to support us, become members and help us with fresh ideas and a bit of muscle power.”
The auxiliary’s annual general meeting will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 23, at the Pambula Community Health Centre.
Save Our Hospital Inc president Sharon Tapscott also spoke to the Magnet recently, encouraging locals to like the ‘Save Pambula Hospital’ Facebook page, and provide stories of how Pambula Hospital has helped in the past.
She said it is important to fight for the future of the hospital and present a united voice to decision-makers.
