Throughout the year, the team at Northern Health Foundation has been working hard to continue supporting our health service, its staff and the patients we care for. However, it is not without the dedication and support from our northern community that the team is able to achieve this.

Amid the challenges of ongoing healthcare pressures, Northern Hospital Epping has been at the forefront of providing critical care to residents across the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Recognising the immense effort required by healthcare workers, local groups have stepped up with gestures of kindness to uplift and appreciate the staff.

Among these efforts was CityLife Church Whittlesea, who made an especially sweet contribution. Members of the church recently baked and donated boxes of homemade cookies to the hospital’s Emergency Department, Palliative Care Unit and Women’s and Children’s Department, providing a much-appreciated morale boost to doctors, nurses, and support staff working tirelessly to care for patients.

The donation of cookies was more than just a treat, it was a token of gratitude for the dedication demonstrated by Northern Health’s frontline workers.

The support doesn’t stop there, with other local businesses and community groups also contributing to important causes, such as Lions Club Whittlesea who donated $1,650 for three IV pumps, Lions Club Reservoir for enabling the purchase of a Vesticam in the Emergency Department, Sunbury Library for countless donations of knitted goods, and Beryl Wattling from Northern Wood Turners for donating beautiful assorted wooden toys.

Equipment like the Vesticam will help our Emergency Department in facilitating clinical vestibular tests and support clinicians to efficiently access and manage dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.

Kim Berger, Community Engagement Coordinator, Northern Health Foundation, said these donations make a tremendous difference.

“It’s these kinds of gestures that really lift our spirits. The last few years have been challenging, and to know that the community is standing behind us with such kindness makes a big difference,” said Kim.

“These are just some examples of how the community is banding together, with many more coming through to support us. We’ve been so moved by the outpouring of generosity from locals. Whether it’s through donations, volunteer efforts, or simple words of encouragement, it all helps to create a positive environment for our staff and patients alike, so a big thank you to all our community groups. Your support is always very much appreciated.”

As we enter the festive season, these expressions of gratitude and kindness provide a reminder of the importance of community spirit. Whether through a simple cookie or a helping hand, the northern community continues to stand by those who work tirelessly to keep those in need safe and healthy.

Support like this from our local community is more than just a morale booster, it’s a powerful reminder that the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together in both times of need and celebration.

Thank you to all our community groups. The work of the Foundation is not possible without your support.

Featured image L-R: Ben Warwick and Sam Grimshaw, CityLife Church Whittlesea.