Auxiliary seeking new members

Ceduna Hospital & Village Auxiliary secretary Alison Pearson, chairperson Yvonne Kloeden and treasurer Chris Blums. (Supplied)

The Ceduna Hospital & Village Auxiliary, under various names, has a long history of supporting the communities of the Far West Coast of Eyre Peninsula.

From its earliest activities in 1949 and in the 76 years since, members have worked productively and tirelessly to support patients, staff and residents of the Ceduna Hospital and Far West Senior Citizens Village.

Over many years the auxiliary has relied on the much-appreciated generosity in time and money, of the local community both businesses and private individuals.

With 22 current members, the auxiliary is an enthusiastic and hardworking team, but needs the support of newer and younger members to continue its long history and important fundraising efforts.

The upcoming annual general meeting is an opportunity to swell that membership and keep the enthusiasm going.

The AGM will be hosted on Thursday 6 November at the Ceudna Anglican Church Hall, with cake, a cuppa and a chat at 10am, before the AGM at 10.30am and the regular monthly meeting after that.

All executive positions will become vacant – including chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary (catering) and public officer.

Fundraising in 2025 has raised enough money to complete the upgrade of some of the windows at the village, the purchase of a 522-litre 60 blanket capacity blanket warmer, the preparation of care bags and buying additional facilities for the palliative care room at the hospital.

At the most recent meeting in September, after consultation with hospital and village staff, the auxiliary decided on a cuddle bed for the palliative care room as its major fundraising target, along with ongoing provision of materials and equipment to support the arts and mosaic activities planned for the village gardens.

Fundraising for 2025 has included soup kitchens, a Big4 Caravan Park barbecue, raffles, catering events – including for the Governor-General’s visit – and cake/produce stalls.

These types of activities will be ongoing into 2026.

The auxiliary is happy to offer catering services for small group events up to 100 people.

Auxiliary assistant secretary responsible for catering Shirley Mahar is happy to discuss any catering opportunities, on 0438 862 529.

The auxiliary is also selling tickets for its Christmas raffle, which can be bought from members and at different businesses in Ceduna.

The last chance to buy tickets will be at the cake/produce stall out the front of the Ceduna Memorial Hall on Friday 12 December – the raffle will be drawn at about 1pm that day at the stall.

Tickets are $2 each with cash prizes of $250 for first prize, $150 for second and $100 for third.

If you need any further details about the AGM contact secretary Alison Pearson on 0476 193 236.