THE renal ward at Moree District Hospital this week took delivery of $20,000 worth of new equipment, thanks to money raised at weekly raffles organised by hardworking Moree Renal Support Committee members and a large donation from Regional Australia Bank.

The donation will purchase blanket warmers, trolleys, an infusion pump, and printer for the Trophon machine, an automated device that uses a hydrogen peroxide mist to disinfect ultrasound probes.

The renal support group has been running Wednesday night raffles at Moree Services Club for more than 20 years.

Incredibly, the small committee has raised half-a-million dollars in that time for the renal unit at Moree Hospital.

The group was founded in 2001 by the late Sammy Sabine, who lobbied hard to establish a renal unit in Moree.

Through Sammy’s hard work, tireless fundraising and constant, well-connected political lobbying, the unit was opened 23 years ago.

The unit underwent a complete rebuild in 2018, with eight chairs – three more than the original ward – and an isolation chair, essential for patients at risk of infection or who require private treatment.

Sadly, Sammy Sabine passed away in 2015 but his legacy continues, with son Will taking the baton as committee president.

“We are very happy to be able to donate $20,000 for the purchase of items needed in the renal unit,” Will said.

“This is made possible because of money raised from our raffles this year, and also from a donation our committee received from the Regional Australia Bank.

“We also have people who make small donations throughout the year.

“The bank annually presents donations to local organisations and affiliations. Recently we received $22,000, and that will pay for this new equipment,” he said.

(from left) Moree District Hospital Health Service manager Jo Butler, registered nurse Maddy Hutton, renal support committee member Madonna McInnes, committee president Will Sabine, committee members Meg Young and Theresa Fletcher and nurse unit manager Shyba John (absent: Luanne Andrews, Sharon Brodie, John and Kylie Driscoll and Robyn Gearing).

The small committee – Will Sabine, Luanne Andrews, Sharon Brodie, John and Kylie Driscoll, Robyn Gearing, Meg Young, Theresa Fletcher and Madonna McInnes – is now preparing for the annual Christmas raffles.

“We do the raffles every Wednesday night – five $50 meat trays – and in November and December there will be hams as well as meat trays as we get closer to Christmas,” Will said.

“We’re only a small committee, and take turns to do the weekly raffles.”

Moree District Hospital Health Service manager, Jo Butler, has just started her new role after transferring from the mid-north coast.

“I think it’s amazing that we’ve got so much kindness from such a giving community, but the people working to get that money for the renal unit are really special,” Jo said.

“To see this type of thing in my second week here is amazing.

“It’s overwhelming to know that in a community this size, this much money can be raised – that says so much about the community and its giving nature.

“Ultimately, it’s the patients who benefit. We look forward to continuing the partnership with the committee, whose support certainly benefits the patients into the future,” she said.