Volunteers at Bundaberg Friendly Society Private Hospital will receive a new hub area with Bundaberg Regional Council providing $2500 in funding to the purchase of a reception counter.
The grant was provided to the Bundaberg Friendly Society Medical Institute through Council’s Community Grants funding which offers grants of up to $5000 to eligible organisations.
The Friendlies Society Private Hospital Volunteers are a dedicated team who work to support The Friendlies Hospital staff, patrons and patients.
According to Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator Maria Ebert, the volunteer program has been incredibly popular and there is a definite need for a larger, more professional counter.
“Our volunteers have been operating here for quite a while, but we’ve expanded the team in the last 12 months from 12-31 volunteers,” Maria said.
“We originally had our volunteer base at the front concierge base, but now we have more volunteers and the hospital has grown too with people accessing different entrances, so we’ve set up a little base in the central foyer and that of course needs addressing with the makeshift arrangement we have at the moment.”
“The plans for the new counter will include a curved ergonomic counter and will have a lockable cabinet for our volunteers belongings if they have to leave it unattended to assist someone, and we’re hoping to incorporate a proper set of shelving to expand our volunteer run gift shop too.”
Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the funding was a great boost for the Friendly Society Hospital in further supporting volunteers
“This funding will help improve the Friendly Hospital facilities so that volunteers can further help assist staff and patients in a variety of areas and roles,” Cr McPhee said.
“With the uptake of volunteers from 12-31 in the past 12 months, it’s clear that a refurbished and new counter will benefit not only volunteers, but staff, patients and the hospital community.”
Cr McPhee said $70,000 had been set aside in the current budget to assist local community groups and organisations.
“The grants programs offer a helping hand with funding to enable these groups to push through these trying times and to continue the necessary services and opportunities they provide,” Cr McPhee said.
“It’s important these groups feel supported and valued in the work and connectivity they bring to the community and our residents.”
Around $29,000 has also been allocated to recently announced Community Grants projects with applications currently open for the second of three funding rounds.
Information on Council grants can be found at www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/grants-funding
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