By Michael Burt
BELLINGEN- The Bellinger River District Hospital is now better equipped thanks to a $123,000 community fundraising drive spearheaded by the Lions Club of Bellingen.
The Bellinger River District Hospital (BRDH) has received $123,000 worth of vital presents thanks to a cooperative community fundraising collaboration led by the Lions Club of Bellingen.
The gifts were unveiled last week and included an ultrasound machine, electric wheelchair, five hospital beds, six pressure care mattresses, 14 overbed tables and seven wheelie walkers with seats.
Lions Club of Bellingen Treasurer Jim Forbes said the club was proud to have collaborated with multiple clubs and organisations to exceed their fundraising target and provide vital medical equipment for the community.
They included the Lions clubs of Bonville, Dorrigo Plateau and Urunga, the Australian Lions Foundation, Bellinger Health Action Group (BHAG), Bellingen Showground Trust, the Swiss Patisserie, Bellingen Providore, Bellingen Rotary Club, CEX Coffs Harbour and Club Urunga
“Fundraising for this started in October 2024 and it is amazing to see what can happen when there is such strong community backing,” Mr Forbes said.
“This combined effort involved many moving parts and coordination, and we want to thank everyone who has contributed and donated to our extremely important and treasured hospital.”
“Thank you to the local community, businesses and all the people who donated and purchased raffle tickets to get exceed our target and get to $123,000 and some change.”
Mr Forbes said this generous donation reflects the Lions Club of Bellingen and its partners’ steadfast commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Bellingen community, and their vital role in supporting local healthcare services.
“It’s great to be able to ensure we are able to help keep locals looking after locals.”
BRDH Acting Executive Officer and Director of Nursing Chantel Baker said all of the new equipment would significantly benefit patients, diagnostics and the quality of care provided at the hospital.
Ms Baker thanked the community at a function held at the hospital last week.
“We are here to celebrate not just the new equipment but also the incredible spirit of the community that made it all possible,” Ms Baker said.
“We are incredibly grateful to the community for their support of this remarkable donation. Our deepest appreciation goes out to all the members of the Lion’s club and to our community for their extraordinary generosity and unwavering support.”
“Thank you for standing with us and making such a lasting impact on the lives of our patients, their families and the wider Bellingen region.” BHAG president Pauline Murphy also praised the concerted community effort and urged local residents to continue to support the SOS Bellingen Hospital campaign.