Over 60 members and supporters of the auxiliary attended including representatives from Bombala, Moruya, Tathra, Bega, Delegate and Cooma, current and former members of the Pambula hospital, member for Bega, Andrew Constance, Bega Valley Shire mayor, Bill Taylor and deputy mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick.

A special guest at the lunch was life member of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW, patron and inaugural secretary, 80 years ago, Janet Gill. Mrs Gill’s service to the auxiliary was “an amazing record”, Cr Taylor said.

Mr Constance also acknowledged Mrs Gill’s “extraordinary commitment” and said that 80 years of support and service by the auxiliary was worthy of a celebration.

Mr Constance said that Pambula hospital was a changed place from where it was a couple of years ago and talked of very much improved staff morale.

“And it’s going to remain open,” he added to cheers and applause from the audience.

“Health in our region will change dramatically with the new regional hospital but there is no reason why we can’t run complementary services through Pambula hospital. We will have a tremendous set of services with the benefits that the new hospital will bring and the benefits of Pambula hospital.

“The future (for Pambula hospital) is very bright,” Mr Constance said.

He said that one of the most important contributions to the hospital was through the auxiliary and praised the members for raising $105,000 since 2009 to support the hospital, staff and patients.

Mr Constance then presented a certificate of congratulation to Pambula District Hospital Auxiliary president, Barbarba J Davy.

Later a cake was cut by Mrs Gill as part of the celebrations.