After 50 years of supporting patients, visitors, and staff, today marks the final day of operations of Canberra Hospital’s Auxiliary Committee.

The Auxiliary, made up of hard-working volunteers and a handful of paid committee members, has raised much-needed funds for hospital equipment, staff development, and important clinical research, health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith remarked.

“Today is a bittersweet day for the Canberra community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “We say goodbye to a much-loved Committee, but we also celebrate the incredible work the team has done over the past half-century.

“Since its inception, the Auxiliary Committee has raised some $4.2 million for Canberra Hospital. This is an outstanding achievement, and is much appreciated by everyone at Canberra Health Services and the broader community.”

Auxiliary membership dropped during the COVID pandemic, and the Auxiliary has operated with fewer committee members than required under its Constitution.

From Monday 27 February, the Canberra Hospital Foundation will take over operations of the shop, which was founded on 5 September 1972, and will remain in the main foyer.

“The Auxiliary Shop, which many patients and visitors would know very well, is more than just a shop,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “It’s a place where visitors are warmly greeted by volunteers on entering, where staff needing a sugar hit can buy a bag of red frogs, and where patients and loved ones can buy gifts.

“As well as the shopfront, the Auxiliary Committee has offered a range of other services over the years, including a library service, hospital guide service, and a trolley service for patients.

“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the Auxiliary Committee and as a volunteer over the 50 years of service to patients, visitors, staff, and the community.”