September 29, 2015
The talents of Wondai resident Robert Hehlen were recognised at the opening of a special art show at the Forest View Residential Aged Care facility on Monday.
Mr Hehlen, who has been a resident at Forest View for two years, only recently discovered his interest in creating art.
With the support of hospital staff and his family, Mr Hehlen has painted numerous canvases.
His talents were celebrated last year with the staging of his first art show. So successful was that first outing, that staff encouraged him to stage another this year.
Mr Hehlen’s second art show coincided with a visit from Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board members, who were in Wondai for their regular monthly meeting.
“It is wonderful to see that Robert’s passion for art has been supported here at the aged-care facility,” DDHH Board Chair Mike Horan said.
“Robert is a great example to all of how learning and growing as a person is a life-long journey.
“Congratulations to Robert for creating such great pieces of art and for inspiring others to follow their interests.”
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The DDHH Board also recognised nearly 200 years of volunteer service to the Wondai Hospital and Forest View during their visit.
At a special presentation evening on Monday night, Board chairman Mike Horan presented nine Wondai Hospital Auxiliary volunteers with certificates of appreciation for their dedication.
Collectively, the volunteers have provided 193 years of service.
“The auxiliary has supported the patients, staff and residents of Wondai Hospital and the aged care facility for more than 40 years,” Mr Horan said.
“Their dedicated fundraising efforts have resulted in great outcomes for the facility.
“Most recently the auxiliary has purchased television sets, a digital camera, a specialised palliative-care mattress and members are currently planning upgrades to the dining room.”
Mr Horan thanked the volunteers for their service and presented them with a certificate to mark their achievements.
“The Wondai Hospital Auxiliary is an important part of the hospital,” Mr Horan said.
“Many of the volunteers themselves are former nurses or staff members of the hospital, and many have stories to tell.
“The auxiliary is connected to the hospital and members are dedicated to supporting the staff and their patients. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to the hospital.”
The function was also an opportunity to view a recent mural which was painted by the Proston Girl Guides and to hear about an upcoming project, being undertaken by the Wondai Lions Club, to install a water feature in the aged-care facility’s sensory garden.
“The Girl Guides have brightened up an otherwise boring iron fence,” Wondai Hospital Director of Nursing Steve McNamara said.
“The residents now get to look out on a bright, cheery rural landscape scene.
“We look forward to further transformations when the Lions Club installs a water feature in the coming weeks.
“It is great that we have so many community organisations and individuals who are willing and able to support the hospital and the care we provide to our patients and residents.”
Volunteers recognised were:
- Maria Beer (6 years)
- Kellie Walker (7 years)
- Liz Watson (10 years)
- Robyn Hartwig (15 years)
- Eileen Beer (25 years)
- Jean Clark (25 years)
- Dot Clancy (25 years)
- Margaret Beuck (40 years)
- Marian Barnes (40 years)
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The DDHH Board were in Wondai for their regular meeting which is held in a rural or regional area of the health service every second month.
