WRAD Health celebrates 40 years

WRAD Health has celebrated its past and invested in its future with a sold-out 40th anniversary fundraising dinner in Warrnambool.

By Staff Writer

WRAD Health fundraising committee members Tracey Kol, Lea Watson, Carolyn Monaghan, Jenni Coutts and Helen Taylor. Absent - committee members Amanda Bridges, Mark Powell, Jeremy Eccles and Paul Jennings.

The dinner, on Thursday, November 13 at The Pavilion in Warrnambool, recognised the health service’s history and expansion over recent years while raising important funds to help it to continue expanding its services for the community.

Chair Helen Taylor said the event had been a great success in raising money for WRAD Health while also informing people of the range of medical services available from the centre.

While the total amount raised has not yet been calculated, Ms Taylor said it would be a significant contribution to support WRAD Health to continue improving healthcare services for south-west Victoria.

“It’s so important to have this community support as it helps people to better understand what WRAD Health offers,” Ms Taylor said.

“We’re celebrating 40 years of the centre operating and growing, but also looking forward to the future where we will continue to pursue our plans for The Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Centre and an integrated health centre.

“Events like this and the community support we’ve received will help WRAD Health do what it does best for another 40 years.”

More than 90 people attended, with several people on a waiting list for tickets.

Eleven items were auctioned during the night, including holidays, golf and shooting range vouchers and pamper packages.

The top item was an electric tricycle owned and used by author Paul Jennings which fetched $2000.

“Every dollar raised from the event goes directly to WRAD Health’s healthcare services, including bulk-billing GP, mental health, alcohol and other drug support, family and loved ones’ support, youth outreach and more,” Ms Taylor said.

A free sausage sizzle was also held at the WRAD Health building in Merri Street last Wednesday.

WRAD Health was registered as a not-for-profit charitable organisation on January 1, 1986.

The organisation started as the Western Regional Association for Alcohol and Drug Dependence (WRAADD) in 1986 with three staff members, a rented residence and less than 40 clients.

It later changed to Western Regional Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD) and more recently WRAD Health to better reflect its broader health services.