Good Friday Appeal, the wash-up, literally

THE rain pelted down but the staunch team of volunteers were not to be beaten as they sloshed about, collecting for this month’s Good Friday Appeal on the main street of Daylesford.

They may have been weather-blasted but their volunteering spirit shone through like a ray of sunshine – as did the generosity of innumerable locals and visitors who opened their purses, wallets and hearts.

Ultimately, when the adding up was done, they’d raised a total of $20,520 toward the critically important work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Local coordinator of the annual Good Friday Appeal for Daylesford and Surrounds, Natalie Kirby, was impressed by the community spirit.

“It’s pretty amazing given that it poured rain all day which made it a very cold and very wet experience for our volunteers who were out in it and really had to face the elements. One volunteer said she’d probably be less drenched if she’d gone for a swim.”

Natalie also said they were particularly grateful for the marquee that had been provided by Biggin Scott Daylesford real estate agents, who were the main sponsors of the appeal locally. “The Biggin Scott marquee was very, very useful,” Natalie said. “We had volunteers who were locals and volunteers from Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo who had connections to our community.

“It was really an incredible effort by the volunteers and they included school children as young as six and seven year olds helping out, and locals like the two Tanias – Tania Henderson and Tania Grant - who have both been volunteering for the Good Friday Appeal for more than 20 years.

“The fire brigade brought in their truck and went to the two holiday parks and that probably added $1200 to the total. And the Spa Country Railway held train rides which raised over $800, and Blooms the Chemist also raised over $500 through a sausage sizzle.”

The Daylesford and district effort was added to those of other communities from around Victoria and beyond, producing an exceptional record breaking fundraising tally for the annual appeal of $23,061,320. Images: Contributed

Work is expected to start soon on the upgrade of Daylesford Hospital’s operating theatre.

Central Highlands Rural Health received an additional $1.6 million in contingency funds from the Victorian Health Building Authority this month to cover significant increases in build and materials costs due to global supply shortages.

The contingency funds will add to the $4.5 million grant from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for the upgrade, including an expanded operating theatre, six patient recovery beds, toilets, staffroom, reception, waiting room, interview room and offices.

A new group which aims to support people dealing with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress or any feelings of sadness or despair is being held each week in Kyneton.

Tools 4 Living Well is facilitated by one of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s counsellors and the sessions draw on the experience of members of the group as they share their stories and their strategies on managing their mental health.

The group gives people the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar life experiences. The free sessions also include practical skills such as mindfulness and breathing exercises which can improve a person’s wellbeing. Contact Gina Alvarez on 5421 1617 or gina.alvarez@scchc.org.au

There are now 21 Priority Primary Care Centres in Victoria, including Ballarat which opened in December.

The centres accept walk-ins and bookings, with doctors and nurses on site to treat common conditions like mild infections, lacerations, fractures and burns, as well as diagnostic services including pathology and medical imaging.

The Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre, operated by UFS Medical and at 4 Windermere Street, is open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year for urgent care when it’s not an emergency. This includes weekends and all public holidays.

Treatment is free, even if people are not eligible for a Medicare card. Patients can either walk in, or phone the centre on 4320 0820. www.ballaratppcc.com.au

Every Tuesday 9.30am