Point Cook’s Leanne Down is chief executive of the Werribee Hospital Foundation. She chats with Alesha Capone.
How long have you lived in Point Cook and what do you like about it?
I’ve lived in Point Cook since 2003 – 17 years – and over that time I have seen it grow and change rapidly. One of the things I like most about the area is even though it is becoming larger by the day, it still feels like a small community and everyone tends to know each other. It’s rare that I would leave the house and not run into someone I know. I feel a strong connection to the community that I am part of and so does my family.
Can you tell me a bit about the Werribee Hospital Foundation?
Werribee Hospital Foundation was incepted in 1993 by the bequests of two visionaries who were local to Wyndham. Both wanted to ensure that the community that they loved, and were part of, had the public hospital care required. The foundation celebrated its 27th birthday this year, and since 2005 we have been working closely with the community, business partners and Mercy Health Foundation to ensure that Wyndham has the public hospital services required to support our growing community. We are extremely proud of our achievements and contributions.
What do you enjoy about being the foundation’s chief executive?
I am truly humbled to work in a field that helps make a difference. I relish meeting people and hearing their stories, what their passions are and what motivates and drives them.
How has the pandemic impacted upon the foundation?
I started my appointment with Werribee Hospital Foundation in March, the week the country shut down for its first lockdown, meaning I started this role from home – it has been challenging at times. Like many other businesses, the foundation was impacted by the pandemic. For us this was particularity around our events and community engagement. Traditionally our events attracted and generated not only donations for the foundation, but also provided the opportunity to connect with the community, our supporters and volunteers and enabled the community to interact with each other also
What would you like to say to the local businesses which support the foundation?
There are not enough words to truly express both mine and the foundation’s gratitude for each and every one of their support. Local businesses are our partners in sharing our passion for health services for people in our community, one which we all belong to. They have enabled so much activity and helped generate much-needed donations to help support our local public hospital.
For details about the Werribee Hospital Foundation, contact hello@whf.org.au or call 0412 701 987.
