Auxiliarated All OverAutumn 2013

Message from Sue HuntDear Auxiliary Members,

This issue of Auxiliarated All Over further introduces you to some of the governance and staff changes that we have been talking about over recent months. I believe that change is good. It means growth, new ideas, strong foundations and a brighter future.

The Foundation is deeply committed to assisting donors to fund excellence that continues to support the RCH as one of the world’s great children’s hospitals, and the Auxiliaries form an important part of the family of donors that we support.

The contribution made by Auxiliaries is highly valued, and there is huge amount of respect for the work of Auxiliaries over the past 90 years. We have great plans for the future of Auxiliaries.

GoAls And vision for the futureThe overriding goal of Auxiliaries has for a long time been ‘one team working towards one goal – making sick kids better.’ This is as relevant today as it ever was and it will be into the future.

I would ask you all to consider; who is that one team? For me, it is the Foundation and the Auxiliaries working as one. We are one organisation and we are all working to help make sick kids better.

The Foundation’s overarching vision says that we are ‘The Foundation for the hospital’s future, helping the RCH to lead the way’. What else would we be doing than helping sick kids better? It’s what the hospital, the Foundation and Auxiliaries are all about, personally and collectively.

So, how are we going to ensure that our collective vision happens for Auxiliaries?

• We will put our energies into focusing on you, the fundraising groups.

• We will continue to provide ideas, advice, expertise and support that will help you grow your fundraising.

• We will keep centralised activities organised out of the office (e.g. merchandise, scrubs) to a minimum, so that costs are kept low.

• We will ensure that Auxiliary members are recognised for your contribution and that you have the opportunity to get together, have fun and share your experiences.

The Auxiliaries Executive Committee will be constituted as a committee of the Foundation Board, which has many benefits (please see page 5), and means that Auxiliaries are embedded within the larger whole that is the RCH Campus.

The team working on Auxiliaries activities will be here to help you grow your fundraising. Along with the full time Auxiliary support staff,

you also have Communications to assist get your message out, and Finance to ensure that you know what you need to know about your funds.

the lArGer picture of cAmpus identityI know many of you are concerned about identity. I think that when some Auxiliary members talk about ‘identity’, what they may mean is ‘independence’. When Auxiliary members show concern about losing identity, it’s actually about losing independence. With this in mind, it is important to acknowledge that no one is truly independent on the RCH Campus. We are all interdependent.

The Auxiliaries have always been a part of a larger organisation, the hospital first and now the Foundation. The RCH Campus is extremely complex, but the larger picture is that the 4 campus partners - RCH, MCRI, Uni of Melb and the Foundation - all accept the identity of the campus as a whole. You are part of one of the campus partners.

This is a wonderful thing because the Campus has strength in name, numbers and reputation. The RCH

Sarah Murdoch speaking at the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Scholarship lunch. See inside for more photos and results from this successful fundraising event.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Message from Sue Hunt 1

Your new President 2

Favourite recipes 3

Best wishes to Carole 3

Message from Robyn Anderson 3

New Business Manager 4

Reflection: My Words 4

New Auxiliaries Coordinator 5

Message from Craig Wright 5

New Auxiliaries Assistant 5

Committee 5

Lucida’s trek for kids 6

GFA Total 6

Thelma’s gift 6

The Monthly Digest 7

Winter Market call-out 7

Angling for a Cure 7

CIKA Coach Drive 7

OARA 8

Madge Tate nominations 8

Do you know an Auxiliary 8 story that needs telling?

Lunch to support 9 nurses a success

Dates for your diary 10

brand is world-renowned and recognisable. It is respected. We are fortunate to be associated with this world-class hospital and campus partners.

This privilege comes with guidelines and a brand structure that is stipulated by the RCH, and agreed by the Campus Partners. Auxiliaries, being part of the Foundation, are included under the Foundation’s umbrella brand and will be profiled in this way. Specifically:

• ’The Auxiliaries’ will remain the same, a strong recognisable name, and a force within the community fundraising sector

• Auxiliary events and fundraising initiatives will remain as they are; ‘Presented by The Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries’

• Auxiliaries will continue to have your own marketing collateral – like the various newsletters, and brochures

• You will retain the recognition events within the Auxiliary community, like the AGM and Living Treasures.

continuinG supportAuxiliaries will continue to be supported. We will work with you to ensure you are best placed to keep raising funds, and in fact to raise more funds for the hospital. Yes, there are some changes, but the future of Auxiliaries will be increasingly prosperous.

We have great plans for the future of Auxiliaries, and we are energised and excited to continue supporting you in your wonderful work.

Kind regards Sue Hunt, Executive Director

Your new PresidentOn 8 April, it was officially announced that Carole Lowen is stepping down as President of Auxiliaries after 13 years of service, and Robyn Anderson has been appointed as the new President of Auxiliaries. A new organisational structure for the Auxiliaries has been also announced. Most of you will have already received this news as it has been sent to all Presidents and Secretaries.

Welcome And conGrAtulAtions to robyn Anderson

Robyn with her CASKIDS Auxilary colleagues at the 2012 ‘Made by Us’ Market.

Carole Lowen said ‘It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as President of Auxiliaries. It has been a privilege to lead an organisation that has such wonderful heartfelt support for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

‘I congratulate Robyn on her appointment as President. Robyn has a long history of service to the Auxiliaries and will take the Auxiliaries into their next stage of successful fundraising for the sick children of Victoria.’

Robyn Anderson, who has been involved with CasKids Auxiliary supporting the Emergency and Casualty Departments of the RCH for more than 40 years, expressed her delight in being asked to lead the Auxiliaries.

‘I love The Royal Children’s Hospital, and have made fundraising for the sick children of Victoria a huge part of my life,’ Robyn said.

‘I feel honoured to be asked to be President and to serve on the RCH Foundation Board. I look forward to the support of the Foundation to assist in raising even more funds, and further developing RCH Auxiliaries as the ‘heart and soul of the hospital’.’

thAnk you to outGoinG president cArole loWenMrs Louise Gourlay OAM, Patron of Auxiliaries paid tribute to outgoing President, Carole Lowen: ‘Carole has been an inspirational President, who has with endless enthusiasm and passion, overseen a very successful period of renewal and growth for the Auxiliaries, so we pay tribute to her and sincerely thank her for her years of service.

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‘I am delighted that Robyn, who has been Vice President and involved in Auxiliaries for many years, has agreed to take on the role of President. Robyn has also been very involved in developing the new organisational structure and I thank her for the time she has already committed. I look forward to supporting her and wish her well in this new chapter of the Auxiliaries.’

A briGht futureChairman, Peter Yates AM, thanked Carole Lowen for her significant contribution over many years and welcomed Robyn as new President. He also said that Robyn has been heavily involved over many years in Auxiliaries and recently in the establishment of the new structure. Mr Yates said that he and the RCH Foundation Board are looking forward to working with Robyn.

Executive Director, Sue Hunt agreed, ‘I am looking forward to working with Robyn and the Auxiliaries Executive Committee to plan for a bright future and even greater contributions to the RCH.’

Best wishes

Carole at the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Scholarship lunch.

I am sure all Auxiliary members will want to wish Carole Lowen well as she steps down from her position as

President. A longer item will appear in the next edition, paying tribute to some of Carole’s achievements, including the Robert Ingpen tapestry, the Living Treasures and the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship Lunch. Good luck Carole, enjoy your well-earned retirement. Your dedication, dignity and loyalty are admirable.

Doris Tatman, Do-Bees Auxiliary

Message from Robyn Anderson

Robyn at the recent Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Scholarship lunch

I would like to acknowledge most sincerely all the years of dedicated and selfless work which Carole Lowen has given to Auxiliaries. Carole and the wonderful Presidents before her have all made their mark on Auxiliaries by contributing in different ways. History tells us that none of these amazing women have had an easy path, but each of them brought something different to the role and helped Auxiliaries to get where we stand today. Carole leaves behind a legacy which is unique. She has left large footprints and I will endeavour to honour her contribution by continuing the work

which she started over 13 years ago.

However, the process of appointment to the role of President has changed. Historically, a well-connected woman of influence was invited by the President of the day to be her Deputy, and then it was expected that she take on the Presidency in due course. The new changes to governance of Auxiliaries mean that the President will now be chosen from the ranks of the Auxiliary members.

I was honoured to be asked by Carole three years ago, and then more recently whether I would stand as the next President. I was reluctant at first but I realised that it is fitting that the role be held by someone who is experienced and dedicated to all the volunteers, and the future of Auxiliaries. I was Deputy President since last July and understand firsthand the dedication which needs to be brought to the role.

It is my privilege to be your President. I hope that this is the beginning of a new era of more strong women who will lead Auxiliaries into the next generation.

I would like to thank Louise Gourlay, Davina Johnson and Carole Lowen for trusting me to continue their work with the Foundation and the RCHF Board. We are in a better place than a year ago. The Auxiliaries Executive is a sub-committee of the Board, we have the RCHF Charter confirmed by the Board and good governance is in place. We should by rights be able to get back to our primary business of raising funds and having fun as we have always done.

Favourite recipes for EasterHow was your Easter? With the excitement of GFA, and extra days of family time, we hope you had a good break. We would like to know – what is your favourite recipe for celebrating Easter with family and friends?

Please send us a photocopy or scan of your favourite recipe via postal mail to Auxiliaries Recipes, C/- Lisette Ogg, RCH Foundation, 50 Flemington Rd Parkville 3052 or communications.foundation@rch.org.au. We will publish the most delicious in upcoming newsletters for everyone to share and enjoy.

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I will be regularly meeting with Craig Wright, our new Auxiliaries Coordinator, so that he can get a feel for the culture of Auxiliaries, and I ask you to make yourselves known to him so he has an understanding of who we are and how we operate. I would also like you to check when Craig is free and make an appointment to see him where you can have a proper chat.

I think now that the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Lunch has been such an outstanding success, we should take stock of where we are now and acknowledge that event was the result of the hard work of the Chair, Dame Janet Spooner, and her team of Auxiliary workers with the support of the Foundation staff. The end result was an astounding $80,000. This is truly amazing. We now know we can work together, bringing old and new ideas to the table to achieve fantastic results.

If we are to proceed with business as usual, we do have to accept the changes which have been made. We need to work closely with Craig Wright and the new Auxiliaries Liaison Amanda Caldwell, as well as the wider team that support Auxiliaries, to achieve the result we are looking for. We are fortunate to have Laurel-Leigh Lawson as a terrific backstop to Craig and Amanda. She is a staunch supporter and an outstanding staff member. We are very happy that she has been promoted to Auxiliaries Liaison - Events for such activities as Paddy’s, Andy’s and the Winter Market and much more.

I thank each and every one of you for the fantastic job you do in raising money for your Auxiliary. I hope that you will feel that you can come to me if you have any new ideas for fundraising or if you need any help in your Auxiliary. The Auxiliaries Executive Committee will be more transparent in the future and you will be able to get to know these committee members very well.

Please be assured of how valued you are as fundraisers, volunteers and ambassadors of The Royal Children’s Hospital.

I ask you to come on this journey with me. It will take time for me to learn all your names and to

know the Auxiliary to which you belong. I am looking forward to the interaction with you all and getting us back on track with some good times to celebrate. I am a team player and will be a President ‘of the people, for the people’, so I hope this is the beginning of a meaningful relationship.

As you know, I am Secretary of CasKids Auxiliary and so have an understanding of your sacrifices as you rise early and work hard on your stalls, in some cases travel long distances, stand in the pouring rain or hot sun still with a smile on your face. This is what we volunteers do. We are happy in the service no matter how our money is raised. We are special people who are selfless and kind, and want to make a difference to the sick children at the hospital.

Before I go, I want to pass on to you something which came across my desk yesterday. It was a story about the new President of Liberia, the first female elected head of state in Africa. Her name is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She said: ‘If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough’.

So I say to you - dreams really do matter and it’s ok to be scared. We are at a wonderful time in Auxiliary history. We can dream and believe that we can grow into something even more exceptional over the next ten years. We are already part of a greater whole, under the umbrella of the Foundation of our wonderful hospital, and part of the RCH’s magnificent reputation. It is up to us, the Auxiliary members, to believe that we can really make a large footprint which will be seen by everyone as a sign of determination and love for all the sick children who benefit from our good works.

Robyn Anderson President of Auxiliaries

New Business Manager

Andrew Long has over 25 years’ experience, primarily in the accounting, banking, trustee, not for profit and finance sectors. His extensive senior management experience includes roles at Bendigo Bank Group and Multiple Sclerosis Australia.

Through past personal experience, Andrew has had involvement in a wide range of initiatives including the development and management of philanthropic trusts and foundations.

Andrew’s passion is to work with organisations that make a difference, and to encourage others to support these causes with the outcome of building stronger Australian communities.

In this way, Andrew is delighted to be joining the team at the Foundation, and is excited to be working with the Auxiliaries.

Reflection: My WordsMay my words today heal myself and others.May my words today calm myself and others.May my words today create insight for myself and others.May my words today express and affirm the very best of who I am.May my words today affirm and respect the very best of who you are.May words today uplift our world and bring happiness to all who live in it.

Dr Stephanie Dowrick

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New Auxiliaries Coordinator

When his father-in-law broke his neck in a car accident many years ago, Craig Wright was inspired to contribute to professional fundraising for the health and not-for-profit sector.

In a career that has since spanned 20 years, his impressive list of achievements includes managing the fundraising appeals of RDNS South Australia; project managing the build of an emergency accommodation house for Rotary and Wimmera Health Care; acting as the Executive Officer of Gippsland Health Foundation; and overseeing fundraising strategy for Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Craig’s most recent role was Community Funding Coordinator at Ambulance Victoria where he thoroughly enjoyed working with 74 state-wide Auxiliaries comprising nearly 1000 members.

Reporting to Sue Hunt, and working closely with the AEC, Craig looks forward to supporting the RCH Auxiliaries, fully utilising his wealth of knowledge and experience in this area, and getting to know you all.

Message from Craig WrightDear Auxiliary Members,

Having commenced as Auxiliaries Coordinator as recently as 8 April, my first message in the newsletter will be somewhat limited in content. However, I will flag with you one of the most powerful phrases I have read in a very long time of the Auxiliary goal of ‘One team working towards one goal – making sick kids better’.

If I can ask one thing from all who read this column; I encourage you

to remember and be proud of the above goal, as it is the very reason we all do as we do – benefitting Victoria’s sick kids through our individual and collective Auxiliary fundraising activities as an essential part of the hospital and Foundations’ community.

To date, I have met some amazing people whose stories and dedication are inspiring. And there are so many more Auxiliary members that I am looking forward to meeting.

I have made it part of my daily process to introduce myself at the Auxiliary stalls and am available for appointments via the following contact modes to discuss your Auxiliary and how we will be able to work together now and into the future. Please be in touch with me on 03 9345 6491, craig.wright@rch.org.au.

Craig Wright Auxiliaries Coordinator

New Auxiliaries Assistant

With substantial knowledge and experience in fundraising, events and administration, Amanda Caldwell will be taking on the role of Auxiliaries Liaison - Administration. She brings a wealth of experience to the RCH Foundation team and looks forward to assisting our wonderful Auxiliaries across the many projects, events and activities throughout the year.

Your New AEC CommitteeWe are pleased to announce your new Auxiliaries Executive Committee (AEC).

Robyn Anderson - CasKids Auxiliary President

Bev Noonan - Parkville Auxiliary Vice President

Denise Mudie - CasKids Auxiliary Secretary

Andrew Long - Treasurer Ex-officio

Sue Hunt Ex-officio

Bill Gordon - Heart Throb Auxiliary

Ruth Murray - Cancer in Kids Auxiliary

Rhonda Robins - Heart Throb Auxiliary

Meeting every 2 months, the AEC will be constituted as a committee of the Foundation Board.

Mrs Louise Gourlay OAM will remain Patron of Auxiliaries.

As all subcommittees of the Board, there will be a charter that covers its role and responsibilities. This structure is designed to deliver a governance and management structure in line with contemporary practices. The benefits of this are:

• The AEC will have a formal, recognised role and responsibilities as a leadership group

• They will be accountable to you, the Auxiliary members, and to the Foundation Board

• Part of the AEC will be voted on by Auxiliary members, starting from the 2014 AGM. The Presidents and Secretaries of all the Auxiliaries will vote on some of the members of the Committee. We are still designing the system and we will tell you all about this when it is finalised

• The Executive Director and Business Manager will sit on the AEC, and together will make decisions about a yearly plan of activities that are run out of the office

• The AEC will see the budget performance regularly, and the Board will see the minutes of these meetings

• We will be redesigning the reporting of the Auxiliaries based on the Finance Review to track all activities and to ensure we all know the big picture

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• The AEC members will assist the Auxiliaries Coordinator to attend your functions and activities, and generally provide support

• The AEC will be responsible for setting the budget for the events like the AGM, and how much is committed to those events, which we accept are not designed to raise funds; but that cost quite a bit of money

• The AEC will help plan for the future of Auxiliaries

• The Foundation will have a collaborative arrangement with the AEC in planning and delivering the strategy, the activities and events throughout the year.

Support LARCH’s Lucinda on her trek

How far are you willing to go to support sick kids? For LARCH member Lucinda Balcombe-Quick, the answer is to Beijing and back! She is going to walk the Great Wall of China as part of our Trek for Children’s Health.

‘Having a team of people who aspire to reach the same goal is what I’m looking forward to most,’ Lucinda said. ‘Working as a team is crucial to not only raise the money, but also to complete the trek itself on behalf of sick children at the RCH.’

As a member of LARCH, Lucinda is no stranger to working as part of a team. ‘An auxiliary is only as good as its members and the effort they put in, and I know from being part of the wonderful LARCH that we wouldn’t exist for as long as we have if it wasn’t for our wonderful auxiliary members.’

In October, participants will spend five days walking the Great Wall, taking in panoramic views and

experiencing one of the great wonders of the world. All this on top of extra sightseeing days in Beijing filled with tours, eating and shopping.

With an aim to fundraise over $3000 prior to the trek, Lucinda is only too aware of how much things cost to provide excellence in healthcare.

‘I’m in remission from cancer and often think of how much harder it is for the little children I see when I work on the LARCH Auxiliary stall in Main Street of the RCH,’ Lucinda said.

Whist not everyone may be able to make the trek this year, they can still donate to support sick children in hospital. Lucinda would be delighted for the Auxiliary network and wider community to get behind her in any way they can.

‘Whatever amount of donation that you can give, please do to support our great hospital in continuing their wonderful work. I know that there are older generations in the hospital auxiliaries that may not be able to complete the trek – but you can certainly in other ways. Every little bit counts!’

To support Lucinda in her big challenge, please visit t r e k f o r c h i l d r e n s h e a l t h 2 0 1 3 .gofundraise.com.au, and search on her name. Or contact Ellie on 03 9345 7064 or ellie.pateras@rch.org.au and she will put you in touch.

GFA Total

RCHF_Aux_NoveltyCheque.indd 1 18/03/13 4:32 PM

We are all incredibly proud of each and every Auxiliary member for your personal and group contributions to the 2013 Good Friday Appeal.

As you know, your fantastic grand total for Auxiliaries’ was $1,360,151, contributing to the record breaking total of $16,405,534.65.

Thank you for all the hard work, congratulations for an wonderful year of support for our hospital and the children and families of Victoria.

Thelma’s giftThelma Hudson loved to give of her time and energy to help others, especially in order to help children at RCH.

Thelma was introduced to giving to the hospital at 17 years of age by her mother, who was a founding member of the Lord Somers Auxiliary. Thelma later became President herself and was personally responsible for raising over $100,000.

Thelma volunteered in the gift shop at the hospital after she retired, working five days a month and ran numerous Auxiliary stalls around Melbourne with 100% of proceeds going back to the hospital. Thelma’s steadfast dedication to her favourite cause increased her ability to overcome challenges in the name of fundraising - she was known to persevere through Melbourne’s changeable and often nclement weather in order to make her stalls a success.

Her love for the RCH and her passion for fundraising was a highlight of Thelma’s life, and her prodigious generosity lives on beyond her passing in 2007. Having supported the RCH for most of her adult life, Thelma knew there was always more to do and more children that need help, and she left a gift in her will of over $670,000.

Amongst many ways that her giving influenced the hospital for the better, the funds Thelma raised throughout her life allowed the hospital to purchase much-needed equipment for the Radiology Department. The extraordinary bequest Thelma left to the hospital will help improve the lives of some of Victoria’s sickest children – an outcome Thelma would be proud of.

If anyone has a photo of Thelma, please get in touch with Stephanie on 03 9345 7051. We would love to borrow and scan it.

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IMPORTANT NOTE

The Monthly DigestThe Monthly Digest is for each and every Auxiliary member, not just office bearers.

If you are an Auxiliary member who is not receiving the Digest, please call Amanda on 03 9345 4508 email auxiliaries.office@rch.org.au and we will sign up up to get it.

Presidents and Secretaries, can you please be in touch with Amanda asap to ensure we have the most up to date contact details for your members.

The Digest contains different information to this newsletter, so if you are not getting it, you are missing out on important news.

Winter Market

Want to be part of our fabulous Winter Market on Wednesday 19 June at the RCH? It will be similar to Andy’s and Paddy’s Markets. Regular stall holders will receive an application form soon. If you did not receive a form and would like to hold a stall please contact Laurel-Leigh.

Even if you’re not running a stall, put 19 June in your diary. Bring family and friends for a day of shopping with high-quality homewares, soft furnishings, ceramics, paper goods, bath products, plants, jewellery, bags, ladies accessories, knits, clothing for all ages, toys, jams and preserves, baked goods.

As usual, proceeds raised go to the RCH, so make sure your wares are included by emailing laurel-leigh.lawson@rch.org.au or 03 9345 5188 as soon as possible.

Angling for a Cure

The Angling for a Cure Fun Run has an enormous impact at the RCH for cystic fibrosis patients. This year, more than 700 people were up bright and early on 14 April to take part, and over $41,000 was raised. Wonderful!

These funds will be directed towards research into cystic fibrosis in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the hospital. Over the next few years the unit will be participating in a national study into the use of an anti-inflammatory agent azithromycin in minimising the onset and degree or early lung disease in infants diagnosed soon after birth with cystic fibrosis. This study, which has attracted funding from the US based Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, will be the first such trial in the world and will run over nearly 5 years.

Organised by the Royal Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust (RCCFRT), and now in its 8th year, the Angling for a Cure Fun Run is going strength to strength, and growing every year.

Since 2000, the RCCFRT has paid the salaries of 11 doctors to undertake full-time research into aspects of cystic fibrosis. It has also funded the visits of three internationally recognised Cystic Fibrosis expects who have shared their knowledge and best practice with RCH medical professionals.

The Royal Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust was formed in 2000 by a group of parents along with Associate Professor Philip Robinson, Director of the RCH’s Cystic Fibrosis Unit, and host of the annual Angling for a Cure Fun Run.

Phil is actively involved in fundraising with the RCCFRT as well as heading up the care of hundreds of Cystic Fibrosis patients at the RCH, and the

Cystic Fibrosis Research Unit, which conducts innovative and wide-ranging research projects.

Phil says: ‘I still get inspired when I look at the huge crowd at the starting line for the run. To look over at some 700 people taking part, and see so many people whose lives have been influenced by CF in so many ways is amazing. They’re all determined to make their own positive mark by supporting the Royal Children’s’ Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust, and it is really wonderful.’

Every dollar raised by the RCCFRT goes directly to research.

Phil also acknowledges the support of the Auxiliary volunteers, supporters and the wider community who help make the event possible: ‘To all the volunteers who turned up to help make the event run so smoothly, and to our supporters like the Anglers Tavern, we are very grateful.’

About cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a life-limiting disorder which severely effects lung function and digestion. As yet there is no cure. However with early detection and treatment, the quality of life and the longevity of those with CF can be greatly improved. This is why medical research into cystic fibrosis such as that undertaken by The Royal Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust is vitally important.

CIKA Coach Drive

CIKA Coach, leaving Port Fairy on 10 April

CIKA’s Coach Drive was an adventurous project to raise vital funds in CIKA’s ongoing quest to help find a cure for childhood cancer. An original vintage coach, pulled by several beautiful draught horses, departed from Port Fairy on 10 April, making its way through many towns over 11 days before arriving

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in Melbourne on 20 April.

The CIKA Coach Drive visited the communities of Port Fairy, Warnambool, Terang, Camperdown, Colac, Winchelsea, Torquay, Corio, Little River, and Williams Landing. Extraordinary support and hospitality was extended to the Coach Drive party along the road, and the CIKA team have enjoyed great success in raising funds and awareness of their plight.

The aim of the CIKA Coach Drive was to raise $50,000. Thanks to overwhelming support, they’ve raised that amount and then some to purchase a Leica microscope. CIKA will officially annouce their results in due course.

This very special microscope will enable MCRI researchers to analyse tumours in new ways.

Congrats and thank you to everyone involved in the Coach Drive and to all the CIKA friends who have supported this great project.

CIKA Coach Drive team on arrival at the RCH on 20 April.

OARASome bittersweet news about an Auxiliary. After more than 30 years, Oesophageal Atresia Research Auxiliary (OARA) are leaving the Auxiliary network to become a national fundraising organisation. With new national status, OARA’s support of children and families dealing with oesophageal atresia will now extend all over the country.

Oesophageal atresia occurs when the food pipe is not connected to the stomach. Surgery and specialist care is required to help treat this condition.

We are delighted that OARA will continue their strong relationship us, through ongoing funding and support for RCH initiatives, such as specialist nurses working in NICU.

We wish OARA the best of luck, and congratulations on this exciting new chapter, and encourage you to have look at their new website www.oara.org.au.

Who inspires you? Nominate now for the Madge Tate Service AwardBeing nominated for the Madge Tate Service Award is a great honour.

It’s an opportunity to recognise and reward someone who makes you proud to be an Auxiliary member.

Nominations for the Madge Tate Service Award are now open. All members are invited to nominate any Auxiliary member who you believe makes The Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries stronger and better for their presence and involvement.

This prestigious award is a means of recognising an eminent Auxiliary member’s dedicated and extraordinary service to The Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries.

In choosing the recipients of the Madge Tate Service Award, regard is given to the nominee’s achievements in the year immediately prior to receiving the award, as well as their past achievements and ongoing contribution to The Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries, the hospital itself, and by extension, the wider Victorian community.

The nomination form has a new look. We have made some improvements, and increased clarity around the to the nomination criteria in order to further acknowledge and celebrate the importance of this award, those that have already received it, and those that will receive it in the future. Also, nominators are encouraged to include supporting documentation that further demonstrates the nominee’s achievements.

To be eligible, the nominee must meet the Selection Criteria - as detailed in our new nomination form - and have been an active member of an Auxiliary for at least 5 years.

The closing date for nominations is 1 June 2013 and the AEC will be considering the nominations at their meeting in early June.

This is not far away, so contact your Auxiliary’s Secretary for a form, or the Foundation office, and one will be emailed or posted to you.

We recommend you do this as soon as possible. in order to meet the closing date.

Established in 1994, the Madge Tate Service Award is named after the late Madge Tate who was a member of Croydon Auxiliary from 1932 until her passing in 1992. For many of those years, Mrs Tate served as either President or Secretary of the Croydon Auxiliary.

Over her 60 years of Auxiliary membership, Mrs Tate demonstrated extraordinary and inspiring dedication, overcoming obstacles of distance, family commitments and, at times, ill-health to make an outstanding contribution to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) as a volunteer fundraiser.

If you are interested in learning more about the great Auxiliary members who have been honoured with the Madge Tate Service Award in the past, please visit rchfoundation.org.au/auxiliaries, where you will find a list.

Do you know an Auxiliary story that needs telling? Throughout the year, we feature Auxiliary successes and stories through all our news outlets. At any time of the year, you can get in touch to give us a story idea.

We will soon begin work on the next Auxiliaries’ Annual Report, and we hope to feature stories about some ‘unsung hero’s’ .

If you have a story idea - for the Annual Report, or anything else - please get in touch with Stephanie or Lisette (contact details on the back of this newsletter) to let us know.

All ideas will be considered, but please note that not every idea may be able to be used.

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Lunch to support nurses a successNearly $80,000 was raised towards the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Nursing Development Scholarship at a fundraising lunch presented by the RCH Auxiliaries on 26 March.

‘These funds will allow us to invest in the hospital’s most precious resource’, said Carole Lowen.

‘Nurses awarded the Scholarship in years to come will further develop their skills through travel, education and research, which is a great tribute to Dame Elisabeth’s 80+ years of dedication to our hospital.’

Sue Hunt, Executive Director, agrees: ‘The lunch was a resounding success. I couldn’t be more proud.

‘Dame Janet Spooner DGSJ and the Auxiliaries presented a wonderful event.’

Nearly 500 people heard special guest Ms Sarah Murdoch speak of her family connection with the hospital and Dame Elisabeth’s inspiring life-long philanthropic commitment.

Ms Murdoch spoke about Dame Elisabeth’s belief that ‘The backbone of the hospital is a skilful and dedicated nursing staff.’

The Scholarship plays an important role in The Royal Children’s Hospital’s vision of being a great children’s hospital. This is a unique opportunity for nurses in Victoria, and a brilliant one.

‘The outcomes of the Scholarship

directly influence excellence in practice for our nurses that care so well for our most vulnerable children.’ Sue Hunt said.

At the end of the day, Louise Gourlay OAM, Patron of Auxiliaries, mentioned some words of Winston Churchill’s; ‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’

In the same spirit, we too hope that all our Auxiliary members continue being optimistic about the future of children’s health.

Some of our wonderful RCH nurses that attended the lunch, with Judy Paterson, member of the Murdoch family.

Sue Hunt, Executive Directorsue.hunt@rch.org.au | 03 9345 7063

Craig Wright, Auxiliaries Coordinator craig.wright@rch.org.au 03 9345 6491

Andrew Long, Business Managerandrew.long@rch.org.au | 03 9345 5177

Debbie Shiell, Community Development Managerdebbie.shiell@rch.org.au | 03 9345 5140

Stephanie Zappala Bryant, Communications Managerstephanie.zappalabryant@rch.org.au | 03 9345 7051

Laurel-Leigh Lawson, Auxiliaries Liaison - Eventslaurel-leigh.lawson@rch.org.au | 03 9345 5188

Amanda Caldwell, Auxiliaries Liaison - Administration amanda.caldwell@rch.org.au | 03 9345 4508

Gareth Alexander, Retail Coordinatorgareth.alexander@rch.org.au | 03 9345 4747

Ellie Pateras, Donor Development Coordinatorellie.pateras@rch.org.au | 03 9345 7064

Pranav Kaushal, Accounts Coordinator pranav.kaushal@rch.org.au | 03 9345 7639

Lisette Ogg, Communications & Marketing Coordinator lisette.ogg@rch.org.au | 03 9345 4746

Caitlin Smooker, Design & Publications Coordinator caitlin.smooker@rch.org.au | 03 9345 6700

Lucia DiMaio, Reception / Office Administratorlucia.dimaio@rch.org.au | 03 9345 5037

AUXILIARIES SUPPORT STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY More information on all of the events below at www.rchfoundation.org.au.

Event Venue Date

CASKids Auxiliary Tunstall Square, Donvale 28 April Trash and Treasure Stall

Saturday Night Musicale St John’s Uniting Church, 4 May Mount Waverly

Caroline Auxiliary Westfield 9 May Mothers Day raffle

Beyond Sight Auxiliary One Tree Hill Hotel, 24/25 May concert and family fun day Spring Gully, Bendigo

Heart to Heart Auxiliary Doncaster, Melbourne 28 May Film day lunch

Winter Market RCH Main Street 19 June

Heart to Heart Stall Gladstone Park Shopping Centre 22 June

Auxiliaries Annual Myer Mural Hall 27 July General Meeting

CIKA Ball Pullman, Albert Park 17 August

Trek for Children’s Health China 11-21 October Great Wall of China Challenge

Andy’s Market RCH Main Street 20 November

Help us to help you! Ensure your event is promoted to a wider network - complete your Event Notification Form early, and send it to Laurel-Leigh by email. Get your form from the website or the office. Thanks!