The small group of dedicated members spent 2009 raising funds through the Oberon Open Gardens and having lured a large following of locals turning up at the crack of dawn at the Oberon Farmers Markets to get their month's supply of baked goodies made and sold by the Auxiliary.

President of the Auxiliary Rosemary Harris said that the best part about the Auxiliary is that all funds raised, whether through fund-raisers or just donations, stay in Oberon for the local hospital.

Through their huge efforts, the Auxiliary last year were able to purchase a mind-boggling number of items for the hospital, including portable oxygen saturation masks, new mattresses for long term residents and for the acute section of the hospital, new pill boxes, a portable phone, ripple mattresses, and blinds and curtains.

The Auxiliary also purchased a new mattress and en suite for staff at Hathaway Cottages.

Rosemary said that there are always items on the 'wish list', but it is rewarding to be able to purchase a request immediately.

“Its always nice to be able to say “yes, you can get it right away',” she said.

Health Service Manager Eric Ford said that the Auxiliary do a tremendous job raising funds, particularly with their small numbers.

'Without their support, we would not be able to get or replace equipment as readily as we can,” he said.

In 2009, Hospital Auxiliaries state wide raised over $9.6 million.

“Without auxiliaries, many hospitals would not be able to purchase the equipment they require,” said Mr Ford.

The Oberon Hospital Auxiliary wish to thank the community for their generosity and support.

The fist meeting for 2010 is on Friday 19th February at 2pm in the Robey Centre within the hospital, and all new members are welcome.