Charity night raises funds for vital cancer care equipment

THE INVERLOCH Fundraising Auxiliary – Bass Coast Health organised a dinner and auction attended by 110 guests at the Inverloch Community Hub last Saturday evening. 

The patrons enjoyed excellent food, fine wines and local beer while being entertained by local musicians Jan and Tonic Duo, who generously donated their services for the function. 

In addition to the music, the crowd was treated to a fast moving humorous auction of collectibles and art works conducted by volunteer auctioneers Alan Bolding and Lewis Stone.

The items up for auction were kindly donated to the Auxiliary from the deceased estate of ex-Inverloch resident Ron Sharp and were headlined by many wood carvings and model ships constructed by Ron himself, along with a number of appealing art works. 

Bidding for the items was competitive and frenetic at times, with many attracting higher than expected prices.

In addition, a raffle of a unique wood and stained glass sculpture created and donated by local artist Jan Dawes was enthusiastically received.

With the support and generosity of the large crowd, the function raised in excess of $6000.   

The L Rigby Cancer Care Centre at Wonthaggi is a wonderful facility that allows many local cancer patients access to surgery and specialised treatment regimens without the need to travel outside the region. 

A highlight of the evening was the screening of an interview with local cancer patient, Willie. She outlined her treatment at the Centre, the excellence of the staff, and the high standard of specialist services and equipment. 

In particular, Willie emphasised the importance and positive impact of having a local facility that did not require her to travel long distances before and after exhaustive treatment sessions.

Bass Coast Health CEO, Jan Child, informed the patrons at the dinner that patients can consult oncologists from Alfred Health in Wonthaggi, undergo surgery, and receive chemotherapy and other infusions. 

There are nine treatment chairs treating an average of 300 patients a month – and that number is continuously growing, along with the range of services offered.

Auxiliary President, Gerry Surridge, expressed his thanks to the members of the Auxiliary for all their planning and time in getting the function off the ground. 

He also was keen to acknowledge the many other volunteers who selflessly assisted in a variety of roles to make the night a success. 

Finally, the Auxiliary expressed a debt of gratitude to the community minded people who attended on the night and so generously participated in the fundraising activities and social interaction. 

The support of the Inverloch community to such events is a phenomenon that is indicative of features that contribute to Bass Coast being such a great place to call home or to visit.