For 65 Years the Winchelsea Hospital Auxiliary’s 35 members have been tirelessly raising funds by running raffles, baking cakes, holding luncheons, street stalls and even, hosting Christmas parties for Hesse Rural health’s residents. From regular activities in 2010 an 2011 the Auxiliary raised an impressive $11,000 and $6,000 respectively for Hesse Rural Health.
After a few years of running a lucrative trash and treasure stalls, an idea had sparked, to open and run their own Opportunity Shop.
So, in January of 2011 that’s exactly what they did. Located in the old Masonic Lodge, at 2 Gosney Street the Auxiliary went from strength to strength and in the first six months of opening had raised $30,000.

Opening Friday to Monday the shop attracted the weekend trade with people from all over Victoria dropping in to pick up a bargain.
Profits grew each year enabling significant contributions to purchase much needed items for Hesse Rural Health programs and more recently the purchase of 4 Gosney Street, Winchelsea.

Devastatingly on the morning of Monday 9th November 2020 the Op Shop caught ablaze in a suspected arson attack.
Not only had the residents of Winchelsea lost an important community connection but also the residents of Hesse who loved nothing more than to wander up to the shop to check out the latest stock or just pop in for a chat.
From the ashes has raised a concept for a new shop, bigger and better than before, to accommodate the growing community needs and providing much needed fundraising for the health service.

This year the funds raised by the Annual Appeal will assist Hesse Rural Health to rebuild a new Opportunity Shop for Winchelsea.
After many years working tirelessly to raise funds for Hesse it’s time to turn the tables and raise funds for the Auxiliary who have given so much.
A gift of a donation to this Appeal is a special gift that will keep on giving as the fundraising from the shop continues to provide a significant contribution annually to the Health Service.

Hesse Rural Health greatly appreciates the help received from our Community. All donations are tax deductible and donors will be acknowledged in the organisational Annual Report.