Our People
14 May, 2026
Y-Zetts mark half a century of giving
WHEN the Y-Zetts first gathered in a Stawell lounge room in 1975, they were not trying to follow tradition. They were trying to build something of their own. A group of young women — close friends with energy, ideas and a shared connection to the town — felt they did not quite belong in the established hospital auxiliary.
So they set out to create an alternative: a new way to raise money for Stawell Hospital, and a space for their generation to contribute.
Fifty years on, that decision has left a lasting mark on Stawell.
The milestone will be marked with a reunion next month, bringing past members together.
Founding member Meg Blake OAM still remembers the night it began.
On May 29, 1975, she convened a meeting at her home, with 17 women attending. By the end of the evening, all had agreed to form a group — initially called the Stawell Younger Set — with a clear purpose.
“Our original idea was to provide an alternative way of raising funds for the hospital,” she said.
“We were a big group of mates who felt we were too young to join the auxiliary and wanted to try fresh new ideas for fundraising.”
The name did not last long.
“I suggested the name, so I got thinking about it one day and abbreviated it down to Y-Zetts, which was way more catchy,” Ms Blake said.
There was some irony in how it all began. Their first fundraiser was, in fact, a cake stall. But it did not take long for the Y-Zetts to find their own rhythm — reflecting their personality as much as their purpose.
They hosted film nights, fashion parades and eventually an annual ball, bringing energy and occasion to local events. One early film night, screening Planet of the Apes, proved memorable for unexpected reasons, with some audience members less than impressed.
Behind the social events, the impact was tangible.
The first item the group purchased for the hospital was a set of digital baby scales. Over time, that contribution grew significantly, with the Y-Zetts raising upwards of $1 million and helping fund equipment that strengthened local health services.
Ms Blake said the group worked closely with hospital leadership to ensure funds were directed where they were most needed.
“Michael Delahunty was the CEO back in our early days and he was very strident, making sure we only bought equipment that the hospital really needed,” she said.
For Ms Blake, the connection never faded. She became a life governor of the hospital in 1976, joined the board of management the following year, and later spent 18 years in public relations and fundraising. She remains involved as a director of the Stawell Hospital Foundation.
“My mother was a nurse at Stawell, so I have always had a fascination with its health services,” she said.
Now, more than half a century after that first meeting, the group’s remaining members are preparing to come together again.
A full reunion weekend is planned for May 22 and 23, including a gathering and a dinner at Trackside Tabaret, with organisers hoping to reconnect as many former Y-Zetts as possible.
Ms Blake has compiled close to 200 names of past members, but tracking down contact details has proved a challenge.
Anyone who can assist is encouraged to contact Ms Blake on 0417 581 421.
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