News
5 June, 2025
50 years of auxiliary
The Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 24, celebrating 50 years of service to the local hospital and community with its annual Hospital Fete and Auction.
The event drew crowds of locals and visitors alike, all coming together under perfect skies to honour the legacy of care, community spirit, and volunteerism.
Official proceedings began with a heartfelt ceremony that paid tribute to the Auxiliary’s enduring impact since its formation in 1975. Guests of honour included Bernece ‘Bin’ Kennedy, the very first Vice President and one of the founding members, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Auxiliary.
In her speech, Bernece spoke passionately about the need for such support groups in rural areas, recalling how the Auxiliary originally stepped in to provide emergency accommodation for families of hospital patients when options were scarce.
Executive Director of Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals, Karlene Willcocks, highlighted the vital bridge the Auxiliary continues to provide between the hospital and the wider Kilcoy community. Ms Willcocks commended the Auxiliary’s role in fostering local engagement and support, especially through its fundraising and volunteer efforts.
As part of the milestone celebration, Dr Mark Weller presented special recognition awards, including the titles of Patroness and Patron to two long-serving members.
Ida Moffett, aged 100 years and 8 months, received the Patroness badge for her unwavering dedication, particularly her role running the tea, coffee, and sandwich stall since 2005.
Terry Gabbedy, who served as Auxiliary President in 2016 and has been involved in numerous local groups, was named Patron.
Two Honorary Life Memberships were also awarded:
Lesley Warren, who joined in 2007 and has led as President since 2012
Denise Modistach, a member since 1998 and Vice President since 2022
A particularly poignant moment came with the unveiling of a memorial plaque in the hospital gardens in honour of the late Mrs Caril Davis, a dedicated member of the Auxiliary for over two decades, who served as President and Treasurer until her passing in 2024.
To mark the occasion, a large celebration cake, baked by Kilcoy’s Coff & Co Bakery, was cut by Bernece Kennedy, Ida Moffett, and Terry Gabbedy — symbolising generations of service and community dedication.
The fete continued with 22 diverse market stalls, a raffle, and the much-anticipated annual auction, offering everything from household goods to handmade items.
