The Maclean Lower Clarence Hospital Auxiliary’s first meeting for the new year was held last week. It opened with the radiology manager, Simon Fenn, giving an update on the new ultrasound machine. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, the required $140,000 plus was raised and the machine has been ordered. It is expected to arrive and be installed early in March. Simon enthusiastically explained that it is the latest top-of-the-line model which has multiple uses and should last at least ten years.

The hospital general manager, Dan Madden, spoke about the proposed ward reconfiguration and distributed an information sheet to dispel the false rumours, which have been circulating, about the changes. Basically, it means that patients and staff will be consolidated into one ward (with separate rooms) while the other ward will be available for “surge” capacity in times of peak activity.

The correspondence included an invitation to International Women’s Day on Friday March 13 at Yamba Bowling Club.

The auxiliary is holding a golf day at Yamba Golf Club on Sunday March 15.

A fashion parade featuring pre-loved clothing will be held on Friday March 27 at Treelands Drive Community Centre starting at 2pm. The entry cost of $10 will include a delicious afternoon tea and a lucky door ticket. There will also be a raffle and a trading table. After the parade there will be several racks of clothing available for purchase at $5 per item.

Although last month’s garage sale was affected by rain on both days, it still raised a total of $1701.

This year’s Zone Conference will take place at Bonalbo on Friday March 27.

Maggie Combley