Cecily McFarlane honoured with a Life Governor Award

Cecily McFarlane, a long time Edenhope resident and an active community member, was named as one of the first recipients of Grampians Health’s Life Governor Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Edenhope Hospital over many years.

Dale Fraser, CEO of Grampians Health, presented Cecily with the award, honouring her for her invaluable contributions to Grampians Health Edenhope. 

Cecily has been volunteering at Edenhope Hospital for over 35 years and has also spent many years as a member of the Edenhope & District Memorial Hospital Ladies auxiliary - a great deal of that time as President. 

“I was very honoured to receive the Life Governor award. I volunteer because I want to volunteer. I don’t volunteer for rewards,” said Cecily.

The Life Governor Award aims to highlight the outstanding contribution made by a volunteer, staff member, philanthropist and/or community member to Grampians Health. Nominations are assessed on the basis of their impact, reach and their contributions and how they have positively impacted the health service and their delivery.

“This honour goes to those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and support to the health service. The board does not take this lightly when we present this award and it only goes to super special people,” said Mr Fraser.

“Cecily is a very deserving nominee of our inaugural Grampians Health award.”

Throughout her life, Cecily has volunteered many hours to raise funds for the hospital, including opening her garden for the Annual Hospital Auxiliary Garden Walk fundraiser on several occasions. 

The Ladies’ Auxiliary has made many valuable donations under Cecily’s presidency, but some of the key ones include: 

·        fitting out the dialysis room 

·        purchasing television for patient rooms 

·        fitting out the hair salon in the Lakes Hostel 

·        window furnishings for the Kowree Nursing Home 

Cecily has also volunteered as a member of the previous EDMH Consumer Advisory Committee and is a current member of Grampians Health Edenhope Community Reference Group.   

As an active member of the Edenhope community, she has a broad understanding of the community's needs and lends a strong voice to the Reference Group. 

By being involved in the Community Reference Group, Cecily enjoys keeping abreast of developments and sharing that information back to the community. She also takes the opportunity to put forward ideas on behalf of others to improve the local health service. 

By representing the community, Cecily gains a lot of satisfaction in seeing improvements come to fruition, and knowing she contributes to such a vital part of our community. 

Some of the other roles that Cecily has volunteered to be part of within the community include Community Services (volunteer driver and Meals on Wheels), Edenhope Race Club, Probus current President, Catholic Church Parish Councillor, past CFA comms officer (for 20 years), Edenhope Netball Club President, Secretary, coach, umpire and the school council and Parents Club and canteen. 

“Thank you very much to people who nominated me and thought me worthy of this award,” said Cecily.