General News
6 September, 2025
100 years of care: Hospital Ladies Auxiliary
The Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies Auxiliary celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special fashion parade at the Horsham City Bowling Club on Wednesday, September 3, reflecting on a century of dedication to local healthcare.
Retiring president Denise Queale, who has led the group for the past eight years, said the day carried enormous significance.
"Well, it's 100 years. How many organisations make 100 years? Not many," she said.
Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, and Horsham Rural City Council's councillor, Angela Munn, also attended the event.
The event featured catering by the Marchesini sisters and fashion supplied by Robyn Anders of Lili Vogue, with members and guests sharing in the milestone with a birthday cake.
The group has raised more than $1.5 million since its formation in 1925 and has supported Wimmera Base Hospital through numerous fundraising efforts, ensuring that all funds raised remain in Horsham to purchase essential equipment and resources.
"Everything we supply today stays here, nothing goes to Ballarat, all the equipment stays here," Ms Queale said.
She reflected proudly on her time as president.
"Oh, very excited, a very privileged," she said.
"After eight years, there's someone else to take over, and they'll have new ideas, and that will be good."
Ms Queale said the celebrations were the result of months of effort by a devoted but ageing team.
"None of us are young anymore - Beryl's 90, Pat's 80-odd and I've gone 80 as well, but we've put it together really wonderfully."
According to Ms Queale, the COVID years made the work difficult.
"We couldn't do anything, we couldn't meet _ It was hard, but we kept going the best we could," Queale said.
Despite the challenges, the group adapted by meeting outdoors and later found a home at the Horsham RSL.
Incoming president Ann Stevens, a member of the auxiliary for 20 years, said she was eager to continue the tradition.
"I feel quite excited about it, but I'm also a bit nervous," she said.
"I really like being in the hospital auxiliary."
Ms Stevens, who also works in the op shop, said her leadership plans would be discussed at the next meeting.
"We used to have barbeques at Bunnings, and we used to have film nights," she said.
"We probably will restart some of those things."
Ms Kealy praised the auxiliary's legacy and the spirit of its members.
"It's wonderful that the hospital auxiliary is celebrating 100 years, and to see so many wonderful women still contributing, having a lot of fun while raising vital funds for the hospital," she said.
The MP highlighted the practical impact of the group's fundraising.
"The money that is raised by the Auxiliary makes an enormous difference to the type of care that the staff at the hospital can deliver," she said.
"It's the little things and the big things that can be purchased to make sure our staff are well supported."
