Hospital Auxiliary hosts regional forum
Barraba Branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Inc hosts New England Regional Forum at the Playhouse Hotel
If you thought there were more people and cars than usual in Barraba on Monday 18th March then you were right! Not only was it Ruby Mae Day, but the Barraba Hospital Auxiliary hosted the annual get together of the branches in the New England region. There were almost fifty visitors as well as eleven from Barraba, and over half of the twenty-one branches were represented at the forum. Visitors came from as far afield as Collarenebri, as well as Uralla, Bingara, Boggabri, Walcha, Inverell, Moree, Manilla, Narrabri, and Tamworth.
Locals and visitors were treated to very interesting presentations including from Sally Cronberger - State President of UHA, Kim and Nick Peake – Ruby Mae’s Wish, and Daniel Gillet – Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Another highlight was the presentation of life membership of the UHA to Ellen Eather from Boggabri Branch.
Councillor Marc Sutherland welcomed the attendees to country and performed a song in the language of the Gomeroi indigenous people whose land we were meeting on. He also welcomed us on behalf of the Mayor and Tamworth Regional Council. Sheredan Bonner led the singing of the National Anthem with a lovely rendition of “Advance Australia Fair”. Barraba Branch President Joan McCarthy did a fine job of chairing most of the proceedings. It was great that Cathy Stein, MPS Manager, also called in and welcomed everyone on behalf of the local health services.
Thank you to Cobbadah Flowers for the Life Member bouquet, Kylie Kitchenshop Catering for the spectacular lunch and morning tea, Fiona and the Playhouse team for organising the hospitality of the day. It was also pleasing to see a number of people carrying bags of goodies from Frocks and Locks, where I believe there was a discount for visitors.
Julie Williams (Secretary, Barraba Branch)