Six months on, the dedicated appeal committee has already raised an impressive $500,000, thanks to the community's extraordinary generosity, igniting hope and excitement for reaching the $1 million target.
The year-long fundraising initiative focuses on raising funds to purchase vital equipment and furnishings for the health service’s new theatre and main entrance as part of the ongoing capital redevelopment.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Yarrawonga Health Board Chair David Rokesky said.
Mr Rokesky explained that while a state government grant covered the construction costs for the new theatre and entrance, the health service still needed to raise funds for essential medical equipment and modern furnishings.
“We found a lot of the equipment we needed, we either did not have or what we had wasn't up to scratch.”
The focus now turns to the appeal’s Fashion on Malibu Parade on April 11 and the Gala Ball at the Sebel Yarrawonga on May 31.
YH Executive Robin Haberecht said following the successful cocktail party held at the Yarrawonga Yacht Club in January the committee had been busily working on a fashion parade fundraiser and the big Gala Ball.
“The cocktail party was a great success, now the Gala Ball preparations are in full swing, and we also have the Fashion on Malibu Parade at the Mulwala Water Ski Club, which is being led by local retailers and is already sold out.”
Ms Haberecht marvelled at not only the appeal committee’s work but also the community's response to these events and the overall appeal, describing it as a "remarkable achievement and a true reflection of the generosity and community spirit that defines Yarrawonga and the surrounding region”.
“We are deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses, and community groups who have contributed to this success,” Ms Haberecht said.
“Every dollar raised brings us closer to delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance local healthcare services for years to come.
“The fundraising effort has also allowed us to put the right context to the health service and what we're doing and how we want to move forward.”
Ms Haberecht announced that the new $10.8 million operating theatre and main entrance redevelopment project was on track for completion by late May, with plans for a grand opening celebration to be revealed soon.
The project includes a state-of-the-art operating theatre, a new sterilising department, and a refreshed main entrance, all designed to meet the growing demands of our community.
On completion, it will enable Yarrawonga Health to offer additional surgeries closer to home, broaden employment opportunities, and improve access to acute and urgent care services.
Mr Rokesky emphasised that the health service's continuous development was crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of the rapidly growing cross-border population, both now and in the future.
“We are a growing community and that puts pressure on the health service, so we must keep expanding our services and community support is integral to this,” he said.
Tickets for the ‘black tie’ Gala Ball will go on sale at 9am, March 31. Tickets are $250 each (sold as tables of 10) which includes a two-course dinner and drinks plus live entertainment by popular band The Baker Boys.
“This will be a spectacular evening and a celebration of the hard work and dedication that has gone into the theatre build and the Community Heart Appeal. We expect it to sell out very quickly,” Ms Haberecht said.
If you can’t get to the ball, members of the community or businesses can also support the appeal by making a donation or purchasing a paver.
The health service is aiming to have 1,300 pavers sponsored, which will be laid out on the path in front of the new theatre.
For more information about the Gala Ball or ways to support the Community Heart Appeal, please email communityheart@yh.org.au or contact Rebecca Coll on 03 5743 8551. Donations $2 or more to Yarrawonga Health are tax deductible.
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