Madge Tate Award

1994

Maude Ham 

Mrs Ham has shown a very special committment to auxiliaries from the time hse joined Broadmeadows Auxiliary. She then encouraged her daughter Marjorie, daughter in law Jan and granddaughter Debbie to join with her. Mrs Ham has been a wonderfully supportive member, involved in the administration of the auxiliary and worked in the Parent's Canteen for over 25 years. She is a member who always gives  as much as she can in her own special way. Mrs Ham provides a wonderful example for all junior members and other auxiliaries to follow.

Broadmeadows

1995

Betty Chambers

Mrs. Chambers has served for 49 years as a member of the Parkville Auxiliary. In this time she has provided leadership, as a founding member of the auxiliary, and great compassion as a local provider of casual accommodation to many families seeking treatment from the Royal Children's Hospital. Mrs Chambers provides a bed and breakfast to many country and interstate families from the RCH, the Royal Womens Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. As current Secretary and Treasurer of Parkville Auxiliary, Mrs Chambers successfully encourages new members, arranges and works on very successful week long stalls on the "ramp" in the hospital and is a master raffle ticket seller and Christmas card holder.

Mrs Chambers has an enviable list of "knitters" around Victoria and country New South Wales who provide beautiful hand knitted and sewn garments for the Parkville Auxiliary stalls. Mrs Chambers is always available, as she often reminds us that she is "just around the corner",  for any short notice need of a volunteer or helping hand. Her face and smile is well known to many auxiliaries and staff members of the hospital.

Parkville

1996

Robyn Riseley

Mrs Robyn Riseley joined Nunawading Auxiliary in 1971. Robyn did not join the auxiliary because she had sick children, in fact her two youngsters were both very healthy and active. In short she joined because she was thankful that her children enjoyed such good health and as her way of contributing to the community. Her membership has spanned 25 years, during which she has held the office of President, Treasurer, and Secretary. She has been instrumenta; in establishing the annual Dutch Auction and co hosted a very successful Line Dancing night for over 500 people. She continues to work full time and provides cakes and slices for her co-workers morning tea to raise funds for the auxiliary. She is a regular participant in the annual Nunawading Community Chest Door Knock, Cuppa for Kids, seller of numerous raffle tickets and support of all the usual auxiliary events. Robyn Riseley is a very quiet achiever. She is keen supporter of the hospital and particularly her auxiliary. Robyn support has never wavered,  through the ups and downs of family life and the usual childhood and school commitments.

CasKids 

1997

Dorothy Knight
Joan MacKechnie

Mrs. Dorothy Knight and Mrs. Joan MacKechnie are sisters ad both members of Pankina Auxiliary. The auxiliary executive could not separate these two remarkable women and so the award was presented to both ladies. Joan was the President of Pankina Auxiliary from 1989 through to 1993, and then Treasurer. Dorothy took over the position of President from Joan in 1993 and still holds that position today.

Pankina Auxiliary is a very active group who last year raised $19,000 towards the Good Friday Appeal. Both Dorothy and Joan were very instrumental in raising this amount, giving selflessly their time and using all or their remarkable talents. They, along with other members of Pankina, hold very successful monthly stalls that are always stocked with the best quality homemade preserves, craft and bric a brac. Much time is given to preparation long before the items reach the stall. They attend country markets on numerous weekends throughout the year. The packing and unpacking alone of these goods is a daunting task. They take home 1000's of Christmas Cards, fold them and return for distribution through the auxiliaries gift shop.

The Neonatal Unit also benefits, as they take all manner of tiny clothing and blankets hom to sew on labels. Dorothy is the Good Friday Sandwhich Line Co-ordinator, she works tirelessly from sun-up til sun-down on the big day. Making sandwiches is just one of the many tasks that she turns her hand to. Joan cuts the fruit cake for the 1,800 tin shakers who have to be fed.These two women have indeed been blessed with the tireless spirit of giving. They are an inspiration to all that come in contact with them, two quiet achievers who continually go above and beyond the call of duty.

Pankina

1998

Mrs Phyll Unsworth

Phyll joined the Frankston Auxiliary (then known as the Frankston Orthopaedic Auxiliary) in 1957. In her early days she assisted with a luncheon raising over 63 pounds/ Phyll was elected President in 1963, at which time the auxiliary had 43 members. The highlight of that year was the visit of Her Majesty The Queen II and her opening of the Royal Children's Hospital at its new site. Phyll was invited along with te Secretary and Treasurer to represent the Orthopaedic Section. It was an unforgettable experience.

Phyll remained in the Presidents position until the Auxiliary closed in 1998. Phyll travelled for many years from Mount Eliza to work in the hospital shop as well as helping with the Good Friday Appeal. Over the years Phyll organised luncheons, street stalls, golf days and at one stage a stall at the Red Hill Market. One interesting theme came through as we read about Phylls history with the Royal Children's Hospital, and that was her perseverance in the Edments Table Setting Competition. In 1942 Phyll first entered the competition with Mrs Pearce who won 2nd prixe, going on to win 1st prize in 1966. The prize benefitting Frankston Auxiliary.

Frankston

1999

Mavis Pope

Mavis Pope is actually a member of two auxiliaries, St Kilda and OARA. Mavis joined St Kilda Auxiliary in 1978, taking on the role of Secretary in 1979. Mavis joined OARA when it was established in 1980. Her interest in this auxiliary came about with the birth of her daughter Ann Maree who was an Oesophageal Atresia patient. Mavis is the convenor of all the stalls, raffles and outings for the St Kilda Auxiliary, and manages to find time to work in the Gift Shop for both auxiliaries. Her involvement over many years has seen Mavis receive recognition in the form of a Life Govenorship.

Even at the time of nursing her dear late husband, Basil, through his illness, she was still involed with the auxiliary , and to her credit after her sad loss has remained active and to the forefront. There was always a thoughtful carad in the mail to auxiliary staff with good wishes from Mavis and St Kilda Auxiliary prior to any special event. A selfless giver of her time, that extends back beyond auxiliary life, Mavis was, and still is, involved in Jean Littlewood Charities. Not only time is given, any available space in the Pope family home - cupboards and under beds is given over to "goods" that are to be sold on stalls.

St Kilda

2000

Dol Blunt

Mrs Dol Blunt joined the Caroline Auxiliary in 1954 and has been a wonderful promoter and ambassador of the Royal Children's Hospital through her circle of friends and acquaintances by encouraging them to participate in all our fundraising activities. Dol obviously has a very persuasive nature, as even her local hairdresser participates in the selling of Christmas cards and raffle tickets. I think this is known in fundraising circles as "making every post a winner".

As well as supporting the Caroline Auxiliary in all their fundraising efforts over the years, Dol has been a most loyal reliable and consistent worker in the Auxiliaries Gift Shop with ehr cheerful disposition being a great asset to both the customers and those who work with her.

Dol is also the type of member who is very thoughtful, and always endeavours to send cards and thoughts for all occasions. At Easter time there is always a little Easter Egg for everyone, and at Christmas time a small thoughtful gift for each member.

Caroline 

2001

Loris King

Mrs Kings involvement with the Royal Children's Hospital through the Ivanhoe Auxiliary spans an incredible 55 years. In that time Loris has held the position of President, Vice President and Secretary, and has filled in on many occaisions where and whenever was needed. Being a lady with a large circle of friends and a very persuasive nature, Loris could always be relied upon to seek their support for the many fundraising events that Ivanhoe ran. Loris knows what it takes to get the job done, and with her wonderful organising ability has made a most significant contribution to the hospital and joins the ranks of other worthy winners.

Ivanhoe

2002

Bill Gordon

Bill Gordon has been an active member of the Heart Throb Auxiliary since 1994. Bill not only works to raise funds for the Cardiology Camp but has also worked to save auxiliaries money by laying out the auxiliary annual report and preparing signs for differnt auxiliary events. Bill is always willing to help, be it jumping on the food line to prepare food for the good friday appeal volunteers, running the ever popular "Chocky Tuesday", selling raffle tickets, running white elephant stalls and a raft of other tasks. Bill has made a very significant contribution to Auxiliaries and the hospital.

Heart Throb

2003

Doris Read

Doris is a very active member of Templestowe Auxiliary. She has been instrumental in all of the fundraising efforts. She organises Templestowes Paddy's Market and Andy's Market stalls by collecting donations of fruit and vegies from the local orchardists. Doris also makes jams, sauces and relishes for these stalls. One of Doris' specialities is strawberries, another one of her collections from the local growers. Everyone knows the Templstowe Auxiliary strawberries, they are sold by the punnet, cut up and served wth fresh cream or dipped in chocolate.

Doris is also very keen at making craft items and is always making items for the auxiliary opportunity table or for the more formal stalls. She always manages to come up with innovative ideas and is an inspiration to all her auxiliary colleagues. Over her 50 years with Templestowe Auxiliary, Doris has been involved in the canteen, the auxiliary gift shop,  the combined charities Christmas card shop and was a "pricer" for the Clifton Hill Opportunity Shop. These are but some of the things we know that Doris was involved with, because she doesnt elaborate and is quite modest. Doris has held every position on the committee and is currently Vice President. She regularly transports members to auxiliary meetings and functions and is always willing to offer her home, her time and her money for "The Kids"

Pat Griffin

Pat has been dedicated to Wangaratta Auxiliary since its inception and has been Treasurer for the past 25 years and is a very popular and respected auxiliary member. She is always on the look out for ways to raise money, and when Cylax Cosmetics open a "Direct to the public" Shop Pat arranged for Cylax to donate discontinued lines. She would then pack and wrap the goods and sell these at the auxiliary stalls.

Pat is the artistic one of the group. She wraps and lays out the cakes and slices for sale. She always comes up with new and interesting things for the ladies to make and has even arranged for people in Melbourne to knit for the Wangaratta stall. Raffle prizes are another of Pats talents, and she is terrific at seeking out donations for the Hoy days. Pat is always available to drive anywhere to pick up donations (this includes Melbourne) and drive members to meetings and functions. And last, but never least, we have it on good authority that her Yo-Yos are right up there with the best.

Templestowe

Wangaratta

2004

Joyce Keast

Over the 30 years Joyce has been involved with Pankina Auxiliary she has worked tirelessly in her dedication to the hospital. Her dedication has not waivered even when her son required constant care, Joyce still found time to help Pankina.

It has been formally documented that Joyce has baked over 10,000 nut and date loaves. Joyce has also worked countless hours in he Gift Shop over the years. She has involved her entire family in working for hospital with transporting, packing, knitting, cooking, as well as her friends and colleagues who have bought and sold for Pankina.

Joyce encourages her grandsons to contribute their pocket money to Christmas presents to the children who came into the Emergency Department of Christmas Day.

Beth Trebilcock

"Beth's the one" has been the familiar cry. Beth is the one to ask, the one who'll know who's behind everything. We all say "Beth's the One", for Beth has been an invaluable member of the Auxiliary for over 28 years. Beth has been President, Treasurer, Secretary, newsletter editor, raffle ticket provider and seller, Christmas card seller, member of the Good Friday Appeal sandwich production line, Gift Shop worker, jam maker, taxi driver, stall convenor, a patient driving force and loyal friend to us all.

Beth has inspired her family to become involved. Her daughter has given presentations and her husband is Mr Fixit and Mr. Courier.

Is it any wonder that "Beth is the one"?

Pankina

Waverley

2005

Olive Cooper

Olive exemplifies all those qualities that are recognised and celebrated in the Madge Tate Service Award. Her 11 years of service with Heart To Heart Auxiliary have been just that - 11 years of real service assisting in their terrific work supporting patients, families and stall in the Cardiac Unit (7 West). Olive had also been a valuable and active supporter of Heart Throb Auxiliary since it was reactivated and has been a member for nearly a decade. As a member of the Volunteers Group (the pink ladies), as a fundraiser for two auxiliaries and as a casserole maker, Olive makes a valuable contribution to the RCH each and every week.

More recently she's become a bit of a bag lady (plus the aprons, smocks, and tea towels lady) extending her selling from the hospital to the train trip home. She has also been a real treasure, whether supplying a hot meal or just a kind word, for many parents with very sick children. Only those who been on the receiving end can perhaps fully understand just how important this is. Heart Throb Auxiliary is a special purpose auxiliary supporting the annual cardiac camp and has a wonderful relationship with Heart To Heart Auxiliary, who have been supporting their activities in cash and kind for many years. Olive has taken that support a step further by roping in friends and husband Syd to assist in fundraising for the camp and earned a reputation as a fiercely competitive raffle ticket seller.

Olives committment to the Cardiac Unit has always been 100%. She's an example to the rest of us with her quiet dedication and infectious enthusiasm. As a volunteer and as a member of of both Heart To Heart and Heart Throb Auxiliaries she has touched the lives of many people and left them the better for it.

Heart to Heart

2006

Anne Peter Budge

Anne is a very active member and a great asset to Templestowe Auxiliary, who has displayed exceptional service in supporting the Auxiliary. During her 41 years service as a volunteer she has been involved in many areas of the hospital, including the Opportunity Shop in Clifton Hill, the Canteen, Combines Charities Card Shop and Gift Shop. Anne has held the positions of Secretary, Vice President, and for the last nine years has been our President. She regularly transports members to meetings and functions and is always willing to offer her home, her time, and her money in supporting the Royal Children's Hospital. Over the years Anne has recruited many new members including her husband and daughter, and has enlisted the help of members of other groups shes involved with eg CWA and Craft Groups, who have donated items for our Paddys Market or Andys Market stalls or for sale at our meetings.

Anne is a very generous and talented lady who spends many hours making beautiful craft work ranging from hand made bears and dolls to needlepoint work, and she often donates these items to use on the stall. She manages to come up with innovative ideas and arranged for collection tins to be placed at the Wonga Park Supermarket as yet another way of raising fund for the hospital. In January 2006 she received a Menzies Community Australia Award in recognition of her outstanding voluntary work. Anne is an inspiration to us all.

Mrs Pat Osborne

Pat is an invaluable member of the Royal Children's Hospital Waverly Auxiliary, she has been a member since 1990. She was President of the Auxiliary for seven years and president of the social committee for 18 months. Pat attends all our social functions and helps with anything that has to be done, whether it be cooking, collecting money or helping clean up after an event. Pat is the first one we see on meeting days, she greets us at the door with a big smile our sells our raffle tickets. Over the years Pat has helped our auxiliary raise a great amount of money for The Royal Childrens' Hospital. A regular face of the gift shop, Pat has been seen on most stalls in the hospital, a raffle ticket seller and is also a member of the sandwich production team on Good Friday. The list goes on.

Pat is a wife, mother and grandmother, Pats daighter Christine passed away from cancer several years ago and Pat also helps out at The Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute most fridays, while still finding time to help cook and clean for her son in law and grandchildren.    Pat is a very private person who just gets on ith making a difference in peoples lives, seeking neither reward nor recognition, but we all know what a treasure she is. The absolute value of a quiet, efficient and loyal member like Pat Osborne is unquestionable.

Templestowe

Waverley

2007

Sandra Lehrer

CIKA