Community
23 July, 2026
Auxiliary swings away the afternoon
THE Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) Ladies Auxiliary raised more than $3000 to support the local health service.
The Ladies Auxiliary was able to raise the funds through this year’s Jazz Afternoon, which brought a prominent band to town for a toe-tapping afternoon in support of a worthy cause.
Auxiliary secretary Susan Keane said the fundraiser, held at the Terang Club earlier this month, was a rousing success thanks to a capacity crowd and a generous donation.
“We had the band, the Hot B-Hines, come along for probably our eighth year holding the fundraiser,” she said.
“Every year we have a capacity crowd.
“This year also included James Eller, a talented young saxophonist who is only about 17 and is the grandson of Terang’s Harold and Jeanette Eller.
“He played a few brackets and sang with the band, so everyone was quite versatile with their performance.
“We always have a really good raffle, especially as Julie Kenna has a friend called Kate Mathieson, who owns the Vue Grand Hotel in Queenscliff, and she always gives us a voucher for $300.”
Mrs Keane said the members of the auxiliary were thrilled with the total raised.
“We always make a lot of money from the raffle, which is year took us to $908 – which was really good,” she said.
“The Terang Community Op Shop gave us $2000 to cover the cost of the band.
“Because of that, we ended up with a profit for the hospital of $3118.
“It’s a really good total but it is all credit to those who supported us.”
The Ladies Auxiliary has proudly supported the hospital for decades, raising thousands each year in support of purchasing vital medical upgrades which benefit patients from across the south west.
Mrs Keane recalled members saying it was important to ensure steps could be taken to enhance such a vital community asset as the hospital.
“You get a feeling of achievement when you can help to buy the health service some necessary equipment,” she said.
“We have been able to buy things such as a blood storage fridge, simulation equipment, a new score and anaesthesia equipment which heightens safety during operations.
“We think it’s great to be able to add things which benefit our local hospital.”
The Terang and Mortlake Health Service Ladies Auxiliary members have already begun the early stages of planning for their next fundraiser, which is expected to be held in Terang in October.
Mrs Keane believes it will be one residents won’t want to miss.