Story: Gary Fry
A lady synonymous with the NSW United Hospital Auxiliaries was last week honoured with Life Membership. Dorothy Strahle was formally presented with the pin and certificate by current Regional Representative, Lesley Croft of Gunnedah, at a special afternoon tea at the Armidale Rural Referral Hospital. The function was attended by her fellow volunteers from Armidale, Uralla, Gunnedah and Duri.
Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, added to the spoken tributes. “Dorothy is a local hero. She deserves this recognition from her peers. You could say ‘I wouldn’t mind a dollar for every raffle ticket she has sold’ but the community has had that benefit,” he said. “Dorothy is a role-model who has led by example. You don’t have to give as much as somebody like Dorothy but, to contribute as a volunteer to a community organisation, is a pretty good feeling and really makes a difference.”
Mrs Strahle served for an extended period of time as the Regional Representative of this district, which encompasses 23 Branches. She said that, through her experience at the State level, she was all too aware of the magnitude of the honour, with just 12 Life Memberships approved and handed out across NSW each year.
Dorothy Strahle is currently stepping back from her volunteer work due to illness, after 18 years of service with the Hospital Auxiliary, selling countless raffle tickets, while also working in the hospital kiosk. During that time, she put her hand up for all manner of executive positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Fete Convenor and Publicity Officer.
“It has been a wonderful 18 years. In my early years, things were not so difficult; volunteers were easier to come by,” Mrs Strahle said. “Like all organisations, the Hospital Auxiliary has to change, due to new rules and regulations. The modern complexities have caused people to turn away from volunteering. That’s a shame because it is a very satisfying and rewarding experience, particularly in the hospital, where you can provide some solace or at least sustenance to people at their lowest. I have also enjoyed being there for the hospital staff, from the medicos to administration and cleaning personnel. I feel I have got out more than I’ve put in.”
Mrs Strahle praised the Government’s health infrastructure changes, which she saw in the smaller country communities of the region during her time as a regional representative. “I’ve seen a lot of MPSs (Multi Purpose Services) put in place – Tingha is a case in point. They have tailored the service delivery and role of the health facilities in our small communities.”
Armidale Branch President, Judy Maguire, said that Mrs Strahle has been an asset to the hospital, the auxiliary and the community as a whole. “Her knowledge of executive procedures has been invaluable for members, while her compassion and care for guests and patients in their times of need as she has served up a cup of tea has meant so much for so many.”
Mrs Strahle spent many hours travelling the region to attend and officiate at Branch meetings. “She has been an inspiration to our Branch, as a leader, volunteer and untiring worker. She is held in very high regard at the top levels of the NSW United Hospital Auxiliaries and by our region’s politicians and civic leaders,” Mrs Maguire said.
Dorothy Strahle is continuing to volunteer with the Red Cross Blood Bank, a couple of afternoons a month.
