Mannum Hospital Auxiliary transforms accommodation for agency nurses
Community members have raised $30,000 for improvements to a local health service.
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A dedicated team of volunteers from the Mannum Hospital Auxiliary has completed a major refurbishment of accommodation for visiting agency nurses, creating a welcoming home that will help support healthcare services in the region.
After more than two decades without significant upgrades, the property had become outdated and in need of extensive renovation.
Working alongside local tradespeople, community groups and the hospital, the auxiliary coordinated a substantial refurbishment that included repainting the interior, replacing flooring, installing a brand-new kitchen and furnishing the home with new furniture and soft furnishings.
“It was really humbling for the auxiliary to be able to offer agency nursing accommodation they could be proud of and where they would feel warm and valued,” spokeswoman Kaye Doust said.
“The project was one of the auxiliary’s largest single undertakings since the volunteer organisation was established in 1984.
“The nurses’ accommodation hadn't been updated for more than 20 years.
“The kitchen was completely replaced, all the flooring was renewed and the interior was repainted.”
The renovation was made possible through approximately $30,000 raised by the auxiliary, with the flooring representing the project’s largest expense.
Community organisations, including the Mannum Lions Club, local tradespeople and the hospital's maintenance team, also donated their time and expertise.
“Everything the auxiliary do is because of our volunteers and no one person stands out – we all work together,” Ms Doust said.
Funds for projects are raised through the auxiliary’s popular shop at the Shearer’s car park, where volunteers sell homemade jams, sauces, preserves, knitted goods, books and donated items.
Produce is largely sourced by local growers, while volunteers spend many hours each week preparing and bottling products in the Mannum Hospital Auxiliary kitchen.
Community support extends well beyond Mannum, with many visitors from Murray Bridge and surrounding areas making a point of stopping at the shop.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who supports us,” Ms Doust said.
“Every purchase helps us continue improving facilities at the hospital and supporting healthcare in our community.”
Beyond the nurses’ accommodation project, the auxiliary continues to support Mannum Hospital by funding equipment and improvements, including patient room furnishings, televisions, mobility equipment and other items requested by the hospital.
“Our community has always been incredibly supportive, and we look forward to continuing that relationship for many years to come.”
