Carol Berry (Whitlam, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate the Shellharbour Hospital Auxiliary on its 40th anniversary and to thank this dedicated group of volunteers, affectionately known as the Pink Ladies, for their extremely valuable contribution to our community. Shellharbour Hospital Auxiliary was established in 1986, the same year that Shellharbour Hospital opened, and they have raised more than $1.3 million over the past four decades to purchase vital medical equipment for that hospital. In its first year, the auxiliary donated a television set worth $530, while more recent purchases have included a $38,000 portable ventilator for the emergency department.

In the 2025 financial year, Shellharbour Hospital Auxiliary donated eight items worth over $50,000 to the Shellharbour Hospital. This wonderful organisation conducts a range of fundraising activities, including stalls selling cakes and craft items baked and created by the Pink Ladies themselves. There are events, morning teas and Mother's Day lunches. I've had the great pleasure of meeting and attending several of the events organised by these amazing women, who are so dedicated to families in our region. At the beginning of 2026, the Pink Ladies were named Community Group of the Year by Shellharbour City Council. The award recognised the 32 active members who contributed more than 13,000 volunteer hours last year. On behalf of the people of Shellharbour and the broader Illawarra. I sincerely thank these ladies for their amazing work. Thank you.

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