Message from the Chairman

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Mercy Health Foundation newsletter for 2022.

As the weather begins to warm and the flowers begin to bloom again, I am reminded of the new life and new beginnings that come with the turning of the seasons from Winter to Spring.

I am grateful for the opportunity to get out and explore the beautiful surroundings of Victoria. A recent trip to Mildura reminded me of the beauty of country Victoria — I was also reminded of how lucky we are to be able to travel after two years of strict lockdowns. During this trip, I was fortunate to connect with and witness, yet again, the compassion and hospitality of our local communities — including those of you who continue to support Mercy Health.

I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the recent Tax Appeal, and another thank you to those of you who attended our Cocktail event and Aboriginal Art Auction. All funds raised through the appeal and the event have gone to Mercy Perinatal to support their third round of clinical trials to confirm their findings that metformin, a simple and readily available drug, can be used as a treatment for preeclampsia. I would also wish to extend my thanks to Shannon Boland for sharing her personal journey with preeclampsia, and her connection to Mercy Perinatal. Shannon’s story is an important reminder to all of the importance of the work conducted by Mercy Perinatal.

As the weather continues to warm, I am looking forward to enjoying more of Melbourne’s beautiful surrounds. I am especially looking forward to our upcoming Golf Day on Tuesday 11 October, at the Kingston Heath Golf Club, which is proudly supporting Mercy Perinatal. You can read more about this event on the last page of this newsletter.

In this edition of our Foundation newsletter, I am pleased to share an update on Wyndham Brickfest and how their community fundraising efforts are supporting Werribee Mercy Hospital. You will also be able to read about our Compassionate Support fund which helps our patients, residents and clients in hard times.

Finally, we share with you a very special project run by the Mercy Hospital for Women Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is funded thanks to your support.

Please enjoy this edition and stay safe. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you at one of our upcoming events.

Best wishes

Mr Julien O’Connell AO

Chairman
Mercy Health Foundation

Last reviewed September 14, 2022.