Bendigo Health fundraising boss hands over the reins

A new boss for Bendigo Health Fundraising Foundation took to the dancefloor to debut his position as chairman of the organisation at a special gala ball.

Brock Pinner, Dr Ewa Piejko, Todd Brown (holding picture), Rachel Mason and Jenna Sing, at the McKean McGregor Bendigo Gala Ball, June 17, 2023. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

A glittering gala ball at the Red Energy Arena on Saturday night has raised nearly $260,000 for the Bendigo Health Cancer Wellness Program.

The new chairman for the health service’s fundraising foundation, Trevor Elliott, has debuted in his new role after taking the reins from departing boss Dianne Foggo.

Darren Kirkpatrick, Catrina Rogers, James Ryan, Trevor Brown, Michelle Rathjen, Laura Tuohey, Ray McEvoy with Ann McEvoy, Bruce Ryan and Carlie Ryan, at the Bendigo Gala Ball. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Hundreds of guests danced and snapped up auction prizes, driving donations to about double last year’s event total.

All proceeds from the evening’s auction will be directed to a cancer wellness program at the Gobbe centre, located on Bendigo Health grounds.

Outgoing chairwoman of Bendigo Health Fundraising Advisory Board, Dianne Foggo AM is handing over the reins to local businessman Trevor Elliott who will lead philanthropic fundraising for Bendigo Health. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Hundreds of people walked the red carpet to attend the ball. See our gallery of people who attended.

Chairman of the Bendigo Health Fundraising Foundation Trevor Elliott with Kelly Elliott at the ball. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

To launch the evening’s speeches oncology nurse Jenna Sing, who won recently won a national award, spoke of the difference the Gobbe centre made in the lives of patients.

Dr Natalie Flatt PhD, Sasha Milinkovic and oncology nurse Jenna Sing at the Bendigo Gala Ball on Jun 17, 2023. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Dr Natalie Flatt and Sasha Milinkovic gave a speech about the importance of mental health care for people going through the cancer treatment programs.

Ms Foggo, speaking last week, said she was especially proud of the expansion of the wellness centre during her time as chairwoman.

“The Gobbe Centre has grown hugely,” she said.

“And we received a large donation several weeks ago that will allow us to refurbish the bottom floor of the superintendent’s cottage and then be able to expand the services here.”

Dianne Foggo, departing chairwoman for Bendigo Health Fundraising Foundation, with Helen Gobbe at the 2023 McKean McGregor Bendigo Gala Ball. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Ms Foggo said wellness centre was very popular and greater demands were being increasingly being placed upon it.

“We want to deliver on what we say we’re going to do, which is to help people who have issues through oncology.

“It’s a place to come to where you can feel special.

“I’m very sad about leaving but I’m also very excited. It’s time for somebody else to take over.”

A illustrated group portrait of major sponsors from McKean McGregor Bendigo and the fundraising team was presented at the end of the night, when the total raised was announced.

The group bravely posed with their picture in the spirit in which it was created.

Brock Pinner, Dr Ewa Piejko, Todd Brown (holding picture), Rachel Mason and Jenna Sing, at the McKean McGregor Bendigo Gala Ball, June 17, 2023. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Group tables were very popular on the night and volunteers were kept busy selling raffle tickets and drumming up support for the auctions.

Volunteers Meredith Milic and Judy Mason at the Bendigo Gala Ball on June 17, 2023. Picture: Julieanne Strachan