SOUTH GIPPSLAND HOSPITAL

Presentation of Honorary Life Governor Awards

HONORARY Life Governors have been appointed at South Gippsland Hospital from the time the hospital was established until 2007. The award acknowledges a significant contribution by an individual to the hospital – this can be through service and commitment or through financial support. 

This year we are honouring a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, as well as a Board member who has competed nine years’ tenure at 30th June 2020.  

Deirdre Fegan

Dierdre is a South Gippslander born and bred, having grown up in Yarram. She moved to Melbourne, enrolling at the Hawthorn Teachers College where she qualified as a primary school teacher. 

Marriage to Frank brought three children and a busy life supporting Frank in his senior role at Victoria Police as well as longstanding involvement in The Royal Life Saving Society.  Planning for their retirement, Deirdre and Frank bought a block in Foster North in the 80s, on which they built a house about 15 years ago.  Once moved here full time, Dierdre continued to work as a relief teacher and Frank became very involved in the local Rotary Club.  

It was here that Dierdre was ‘spotted’ and quickly snapped up by the Hospital Auxiliary talent scouts. Dierdre joined the Hospital Auxiliary in 2010 and served as President between 2012 and 2016, during which time she presided over the decision to drop ‘Ladies’ from the name of the Auxiliary. Dierdre combined her role as Office Bearer with serving on the Auxiliary Catering Committee, which she continued to do after Frank’s death in 2019.  

Dierdre is one of those rare gems who can be absolutely relied on to always put her hand up for anything and everything that is needed.  And she does so cheerfully and with plenty of her special brand of dry humour and a twinkle in her eye.  

She makes a mean sponge cake, her profiteroles always turn out as light as a feather and she generously shares her expertise with newcomers and those less confident or experienced bakers.  Must be that primary school teaching background!   

We thank Deirdre for her service to the Hospital Auxiliary and South Gippsland Hospital are pleased to recognise that service today by appointing Deirdre as an Honorary Life Governor of SGH.

Paul Ahern

Paul Ahern is a long-time resident and prominent business owner in Foster. 

Paul was appointed to the SGH Board on 1st July 2011 and at 30th June 2020 he completed what is now the maximum allowable tenure of three terms of office, 9 years.

Paul’s close connection to our community and his involvement in numerous Board Committees and projects during his time on the Board made a significant contribution to our health service.

As a Director of South Gippsland Hospital Paul was involved in the following Board Committees and projects:

• Planning Committee
• Health Precinct Committee
• Remuneration Committee
• Interview panels for Executive appointments and Board appointments
• Banksia Lodge Working Party
• Theatre and Maternity Upgrade Project – Design Review Committee
• Radiology Committee

SGH benefited enormously from Paul’s close connection to and knowledge of the community during his tenure. We were a better Board for his presence and his contribution.

Paul continues his association with South Gippsland Hospital as a Director of the South Gippsland Hospital Community Foundation. 

We thank Paul for his service as a Director and Board member and are pleased to recognise that service by appointing Paul as an Honorary Life Governor of SGH.

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