AFTER more than 36 years serving the community, the Friends of Strathearn will be celebrated with a well-earned retirement party next week.
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The local organisation has proudly supported Strathearn residential aged care home for decades, raising funds to provide equipment including lifters, chairs and mattresses.
A lack of new members has ultimately led to the group needing to retire, but they are passing the responsibility to capable hands in HammondCare.
The Christian aged care charity, which took over the operation of the care home in 2016, will continue to coordinate fundraising and volunteering efforts.
Friends of Strathearn treasurer Ann Beckenham said it was time for the small team, whose number include members of many other local charity organisations, to call it a day.
“Many of the members have been in the group for more than 15 years and many have had family members in Strathearn over the years, so the decision to finalise the group was not arrived at easily,” Mrs Beckenham said.
“However, we recognise that changes occur for many reasons and we must move on.
“As a group, we appreciate the value that being a part of the larger HammondCare group has brought to Strathearn and we believe that both the Village and the House will be in good hands.”
Mrs Beckenham thanked Willow Tree Hotel licensees Ian and Karen Campbell in particular for their generous and significant support of the friends over many years.
HammondCare at Home general manager David Martin said he was grateful for the continued hard work of the Friends of Strathearn during the transition in ownership.
“The residents of Strathearn and of Scone owe a debt of gratitude to many dedicated volunteers over the years,” Mr Martin said.
“Local fundraising has been key to the health of the aged care home throughout its existence and that doesn’t change.”
Strathearn is in a great shape now, and HammondCare is well positioned to receive the baton and continue the great work of the friends.
“We want to encourage people in the community to continue volunteering and continue donating, with the assurance that funds raised in Scone will stay in Scone. There are many wonderful opportunities to partner with us in caring for older people living at home and in aged care.”
The Friends of Strathearn will be formally recognised with a thank you luncheon from 12 to 2pm on Friday, August 3, at Strathearn Village.
Past and present members of the volunteer organisation will gather so their hard work and legacy can be recognised by people including Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Upper Hunter Shire deputy mayor Maurice Collison, and HammondCare CEO Stephen Judd.
