ON Friday, the IRT Dalmeny Auxiliary was recognised for their 35 years of support at a special afternoon tea at IRT Dalmeny.
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IRT Group representative, Leanne O’Neill was quite emotional as she thanked all the members of Auxiliary for their continued support over 35 years.
The Auxiliary was formed in February 27, 1979 when a group of Eurobodalla Shire citizens held a public meeting to discuss the possibility of building a nursing home in their district. It was on that day that the Eurobodalla Auxiliary was formed.
The Auxiliary members have fond memories of the construction of IRT Dalmeny.
A suitable parcel of land was made available by the Eurobodalla Shire Council in 1979 before Council gave the then Nursing Home Committee (Auxiliary) $50,000 and in 1980 a further $10,000 to kick start the project. Council took over the project in April 1980.
IRT Chief Executive Nieves Murray credits much of the success of the IRT Dalmeny Village to the dedication and devotion of members of the Auxiliary, past and present.
“Many thousands of hours have been spent by volunteers organising activities to raise much needed funds to enhance the lives of so many,” Ms Murray said.
The Auxiliary was best known for its fabulous annual fete that used to happen on the first Saturday of each December, it was one of the highlights on the social calendar for local residents who always turned up in their numbers to support the event.
Through the annual fete (that was first run in 1986) and other fundraising activities the Auxiliary has raised in excess of $550,000 for IRT Dalmeny.
“We used to have the annual fete, but now most of the money is raised through Charity Bingo in the Montague Room at Club Narooma on Monday’s and Sundays,” president of the IRT Auxiliary, Pat Wood said.
“We also raise money through our shop at the village,” she said.
Purchases from these funds have included buses, medical equipment, wheelchairs, furnishings and hundreds of various items, all of which are provided to improve the quality of life of the residents.
Today, IRT Dalmeny is home to more than 130 residents who are cared for by a team of over 90 dedicated employees.
“From all associated with IRT we convey our sincere gratitude to the ladies and gentleman of the Eurobodalla Auxiliary for their outstanding contribution to the Dalmeny community for the past 35 years,” Ms Murray said.
