The Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) announced the winners of the Fundraising Champion of the Year with Creswick’s Robert (Bob) Orr OAM being one of the esteemed finalists. The Excellence in Fundraising Awards were presented at the Fundraisers’ Gala Awards Dinner on Thursday 29 February at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Bob and his wife Margaret along with Central Highlands Rural Health’s Fundraising Chair, Kate Redwood and Fundraising Manager, Kathryn Kosloff, attended the dinner and were inspired by the hundreds of enthusiastic fundraisers in attendance.
Bob’s passion and commitment to rural health care in Creswick was recognised by experts in the fundraising sector from across the country. The FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising highlight the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of Australia’s fundraisers and organisations. The Fundraising Champion of the Year category was established in 2021 to acknowledge “the importance and highly valued contribution of ‘non-traditional’ fundraising advocates and supporters” and is “Designed to recognise that effective fundraising doesn’t happen in isolation” (Fundraising Institute of Australia).
Kate Redwood, congratulated Bob on the incredible honour of being nominated amongst the nation’s best fundraisers.
“Bob has accepted the challenge to fundraise for the Creswick hospital on more than one occasion and is always willing and able to rise to the occasion. It is wonderful that he was recognised by the Fundraising Institute of Australia as a finalist. We are thrilled that Bob has been acknowledged for his incredible contribution to rural health care!”
Former Creswick & District Hospital president, Bob continues to be an incredible leader within the Creswick community. In 2023, he accepted the challenge of raising $150k for his local health service which he achieved with the assistance of the Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal Committee. In the 1990s, Bob successfully campaigned to raise $1,000,000 to save the Creswick hospital and has continued to guide and support the future of health care for the town.
Bob has created an incredible legacy, along with his wife Margaret who has been a member of the Creswick & District Hospital Auxiliary for 50 years. They have inspired many in their community to see the value in supporting and advocating for their local health service. Bob said, “We want the township of Creswick to continue to thrive into the future. Rural health care continues to need community support and we do what we can to contribute.”
Central Highlands Rural Health would like to express their profound gratitude to Bob for his ongoing support.
Photo: Kate Redwood, Margaret Orr, Robert Orr OAM and Kathryn Kosloff
Can you support your local health service?
- www.chrh.org.au/donate
- www.chrh.org.au/volunteer
