The Eskdale family has been involved with the Ballan District Health and Care centre almost as long as the 50 years the centre has been running.
The centre opened in 1966 as a war-time bush nursing hospital and these days comprises the hospital and aged-care, community health and childcare facilities.
Robert Eskdale has served on the board for 35 years. His wife, Anne, worked in reception for 14 years and has fundraised for the hospital for the past 30 years.
Their daughter-in-law, Alison Eskdale, recently joined the staff as a practice nurse at the community health centre.
Anne organises the annual Love Is In The Air event, now in its fifth year, which will be held at a pop-up restaurant in the Ballan Mechanics Institute Hall on July 22 to mark the 50-year milestone.
The event has raised more than $95,000 for the hospital since its start and is a highlight of the community calendar.
“We continue to see the benefits that come from everything we do for the hospital, including all the money that’s raised and volunteer work that’s done,” Anne said.
Funds raised this year will go toward refurbishing and re-equiping the small Ballan District Health and Care kitchen, which is used to produce about 2000 meals a week.
Love Is In The Air tickets are available through Ballan District Health and Care by calling 5368 1100.
