Auxiliarated All Over Spring 2013 Message from Robyn Anderson Dear Auxiliary members,
feedback from that day and believe those of you who attended had a lovely time. The ambiance of the Myer Mural Hall, the flowers (specially created by AEC
I have had the privilege of attending several Annual
member Rhonda Robins), the table settings with the
General Meetings of Auxiliaries since March of this year.
special gifts and the Annual Report all combined to
For your interest they were AWA (American Women’s
give a positive vibe to the room and the day. This was
Association), Wangaratta, Music Therapy, LARCH,
the last AGM to be held out of the hospital. In 2014 we
Parkville and Warrnambool. The thing that struck me
will be returning ‘home’ to the Ella Latham Theatre and
was that each and every one of you is focussed on the
a more formal meeting followed by guest speakers
same thing and that is supporting the sick kids, their
from the hospital.
families and the doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital. I am humbled and amazed by all the stories which stem from each Auxiliary and how you operate and raise your funds. Until you are in my position, you are unaware of the really lovely people who form these Auxiliaries and the friendships which have evolved from the common bond they share. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the members on the Auxiliaries Executive Committee. It is my pleasure to welcome Tiffany Lucas, the President of the AWA as a general Auxiliary member of this committee. This now makes the team complete. We thank Tiffany for agreeing to be on the Executive Committee and we look forward to working with her. We are intending to divide the Auxiliaries geographically so that each group has an AEC representative who is on hand to attend special events, AGMs or sadly, funerals of our beloved members. I will also attend many of these events. We hope by having the Executive Committee members more involved that we will support Auxiliaries who do not necessarily come into the hospital and therefore do not get acquainted with their supporters. I am keen to visit Auxiliaries who are struggling for any reason or who need help with administration or in any other way. We are here to help
I believe Auxiliaries are in a good space now. We have the specialised team at the Foundation office that is always helpful and supportive if we need advice, help with event planning or communications. In fact, we have never been in such a strong position with the staff on hand to assist us, so we are very grateful to Executive Director, Sue Hunt, for listening and hearing our requests for ongoing support. We are strongly supported by Craig Wright, Auxiliaries Coordinator, and the Auxiliary staff Amanda Caldwell and Caroline Duffield. Laurel Leigh is now on maternity leave and we eagerly await the news of the birth of her baby boy. It is a wonderful time of your life becoming a mother and many of us can relate to this wonderful experience. We are grateful to Laurel Leigh for her work as an Auxiliaries Assistant over the past four years and for her loyal support to Auxiliary members and the Auxiliaries Executive Committee. As we move towards our busiest time of the year please keep in mind why we do what we do. If you need any help, support or advice then contact Craig Wright or myself.
you not only to survive but to grow in confidence and
Thank you everyone for your fantastic fundraising, for
in membership.
your friendship and for your wealth of experience. We
As you know, our Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 27 August. I have heard much positive
are a unique group of people who make a huge difference to the lives of many and you should all feel very proud. 1