Isabelle Hooper bows out as President of the BowraMacksville UHA volunteers Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 20, 2021 BowraMacksville UHA branch’s outgoing President Isabelle Hooper and Macksville Hospital Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Ray Green with a group of BowraMacksville UHA volunteers. 89-YEAR-OLD Isabelle Hooper has accepted a mentoring and support role as Vice-president of BowraMacksville branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA), after announcing she would stand down as its President. The branch’s recent AGM brought together committee members, fellow volunteers and two Macksville Hospital representatives, Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Ray Green and Acting Deputy Director of Nursing Donna Kennedy, to celebrate Isabelle’s selfless and generous contribution through UHA to the hospital. An inspirational leader, Isabelle has helped steer the branch in an executive capacity for all but three of her 30 years as a member. Isabelle Hooper told News Of The Area that she was proud of her service with the BowraMacksville UHA branch, as well as that of every volunteer who helped make the group such a success story. “I felt it was time to hand the reins to Lorraine, Susan and Dee, all of whom are very capable, and dedicated to serving the Nambucca Valley community,” Isabelle said. Lorraine Edmondson has been elected President, Susan Hedgecoe takes the role of Secretary and Dee Hunter will continue as Treasurer. “I’m pleased to still be involved on the executive in a mentoring role, as our group is very close and our friendships are strong,” Isabelle said. “The café has been a highlight of the branch’s fundraising achievements and I look forward to its continued growth and success.” Several volunteers paid tribute to their remarkable friend, including the UHA’s North Eastern Regional Representative and branch Treasurer Dee Hunter. “Isabelle has played an integral role in the branch as a mentor, executive member and trailblazer, helping to start the old (UHA) café back in 2009,” Dee said. “We are relieved you will continue on as a mentor in our new executive because without you, Isabelle, we would be lost.” It was also announced that the hardworking members of the BowraMacksville UHA have gifted $42,754 in equipment to Macksville District Hospital in the past year, making it one of its most successful years, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By Andrea FERRARI Isabelle’s efforts were celebrated with some of the hard-working volunteers who keep the donations coming in to the hospital and the delicious food and coffee going out at the UHA Coffee Shop.
