ARARAT - Past employees including nurses, doctors and ancillary staff returned to Ararat last weekend to contribute to East Grampians Health Service's 150 Years Celebrations.
All events on the program in both Ararat and Willaura were well attended and despite storms across Victoria, Ararat and Willaura escaped the worst.
The Bendigo Chinese Lion Team's performances in Ararat at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre and the buffet breakfast at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre were well received. The team's finale of leading the community procession up Vincent Street to the hospital reinforced a remarkable history and the strong links forged with the community over the past 150 years.
Just on 200 guests attended the reunion dinner with speakers Dr Michael Plunkett and past nurse Mary Lewis from Geelong both sharing stories on the past.
Entertainment by Kaleidoscope got the audience involved with their choice of songs, including one specially dedicated to `The Ladies' Auxiliary'.
Sunday's activities got off to a good start with 130 people attending the buffet breakfast at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre.
Nurses converged on Barkly Street for the Edith Cavell Memorial ceremony, with a number of nurses pulling out the `old uniforms' for the occasion.
Led by Mayor Cr Gwenda Allgood in a horse and gig, older nurses took to vintage cars for the Barkly Street parade which was escorted by Ararat Police and emergency services' vehicles. On turning into Vincent Street the parade picked up a large group of current nurses and the community to follow the Chinese Lion Team in procession to the hospital.
Though the weather was a little inclement on the Monday at Willaura a large crowd descended on the Willaura Hospital grounds for the outdoor market.
A special ceremony to acknowledge 100 years of health service by the Willaura Hospital and 150 years of East Grampians Health Service was held.
Former Willaura nurse Dorothy Harrison and local identity Pauline Checci, daughter of the late Dr Cyril Checci, a long serving doctor in the Willaura community, planted a Scarlet Oak Tree donated by Dame Elizabeth Murdoch of Cruden Farm, who is the grandmother of Willaura Hospital Auxiliary president Judy Paterson.
East Grampians Health Service board president Graeme Foster, who attended all the events over the weekend, said the 150th celebrations had been an overwhelming success for the health service and it had been great for the Ararat and Willaura campuses to share the celebrations with visitors and the community.
''What seems to come from all of the history you read both from the Ararat and Willaura health services is the high involvement from the community,'' he said.
''Volunteers, auxiliary members and board members, people who have contributed in so many ways, the many benefactors over many years, have laid the foundation for future generations to build on.
''The situation now is that the organisation is very solid and it stems back to the years and years of hard work of many people.''
Mr Foster paid tribute to the partnerships formed with many community groups who have supported EGHS, which enabled it to provide the facilities and equipment and the best service possible to the community.
He also acknowledged the positive relationship with the medical fraternity, which was paramount to the future health service provision in the region.
''All that we see today would not be possible without a quality workforce,'' Mr Foster said.
''Congratulations to all who have been involved over the years.
''Your contribution to the health outcomes of others is most appreciated.
''A big thank you to all who have been involved and supported EGHS in many different ways over past 150 years. Your contribution will ensure that we are in a strong position to provide the quality health care which is vital to the future of our vibrant and growing communities.
''It allows EGHS to be what out `statement' is - Your health service of choice.''
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