A community committee has been formed to raise $150,000 for redevelopment works at Central Highlands Rural Health’s Creswick Hospital and Residential Aged Care facility.
The committee, chaired by former Hospital President Bob Orr, aims to raise the money within six months to cover the shortfall in building funds due to global supply issues and significant price increases in materials.
The Community Bank Creswick & District has kicked off the fundraising appeal today, announcing that it will match donations up to $30,000 between now and the middle of June.
The redevelopment project began in 2019 with stages 1 and 2 completed. Stage 3 is nearing completion and stage 4 is scheduled to commence in June 2023. Due to global supply issues and significant price increases in materials, the project needs community support.
The Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal committee, a group of passionate community members, has been formed to rally support for the local health service and encourage individuals, businesses, and community groups to donate to the appeal.
“I know that locals are passionate about our hospital, and I’m pleased to have recently formed a committee of community members to rally Creswick and surrounding residents to support the future of health care in our rural area,” Bob said.
“The Creswick Hospital and Residential Aged Care facility has been an essential service for our community since 1863,” He said.
“Locals feel comforted knowing that we have a health service in our much-loved rural town so we receive medical care close to home and our loved ones.
The goal for the appeal committee is to raise $150,000 over the next six months. Grant Hopkinson from the Community Bank Creswick & District announced today that it will match donations up to $30,000.
“The Community Bank Creswick & District are proud to support the Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal Committee in their campaign to raise funds to complete Stage 3 of the redevelopment at Creswick Health.
“We will match any contributions received between now and the middle of June 2023 dollar for dollar,” Grant said.
“This means that for every $1 raised through this campaign, the Community Bank will also contribute $1, giving anyone donating to this campaign a real ‘bang for your buck’.
“We hope this initial contribution assists the Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal Committee to kick start their campaign and encourages community members and groups alike to give to this worthy cause.” Grant said.
The Creswick & District Hospital Auxiliary made the first gift to the appeal at today’s launch, with President Margaret Orr presenting a $5,000 cheque. The group of volunteers has donated over $250,000 to the hospital since October 1951, Mrs Orr has been a member of for an incredible 49 years.
Central Highlands Rural Health’s Deputy Board Chair, Kate Redwood, encouraged the Creswick community to rally behind the committee to support their much-loved hospital and aged care facility.
“Central Highlands Rural Health is extremely appreciative that Bob Orr and the committee have formed to support the major upgrades at the facility,” she said.
“The redevelopment project commenced Stage 1 in 2019, and we are currently under construction of Stage 3, with Stage 4 to begin in June 2023.
“While we have been working on improving Creswick Health’s facilities, much has changed globally in the construction industry, however, Central Highlands Rural Health remains committed to providing our residents and patients with contemporary, purpose-built environments to ensure their comfort and care are maximised.
“We are also thrilled that the Community Bank Creswick and District are continuing their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their local community with their generous offer to give $1 for every $1 donated up to $30,000,” Kate said.
Donations can be made in person at the Community Bank Creswick & District branch at 1 Raglan Street, Creswick or Creswick Health’s Community Health reception at 1 Napier Street, Creswick. Gifts can also be made online or via credit card payments.
If you’d like to become donate to the appeal, please get in touch with Kathryn Kosloff, Fundraising Manager, on (03) 5321 6555 or via giving@chrh.org.au
Support the committee and stay up to date via the campaign page: www.fb.me/creswickhealthupgradeappeal
Marjorie Atkinson making a donation at the Community Bank Creswick & District (Oscar Broad)
Creswick & District Hospital Auxiliary members presenting a $5,000 donation to CHRH’s CEO Maree Cuddihy and CHRH Board Deputy Chair Kate Redwood.
L-R: Elaine Wrigley, Joan Neil, Margaret Orr, Kate Redwood, Maree Cuddihy & Beth Humffrey
The Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal committee
L-R: Aileen Dellar, Margaret Goates, Pat Tacey, Bob Orr, Margaret Orr, Chrissy Austin, Ernie Robinson, Janine Booth and Cr Tim Drylie (absent Cr Don Henderson & Jenny Annear)
Feature photo: CHRH CEO Maree Cuddihy with Bob and Margaret Orr from the CHUA committee and the team from Community Bank Creswick & District.
L-R: Maree Cuddihy, Grant Hopkinson, Bob Orr, Margaret Orr, Janine Booth, Nat Lee, Oscar Broad and John Collins
