It was a bittersweet night at the Calvary Ladies Auxiliary annual Christmas dinner last week with the group handing over the running of the retirement village’s Billabong Cafe.
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The group initially formed in 1963 to provide a kiosk service at the former Allandale hospital which was to become Calvary Retirement Community.
Made up of mainly retirees, the group have also worked tirelessly raising much-needed funds for Calvary. This year alone, the Auxiliary have donated in excess of $100,000 for equipment and they also continue to provide gifts at Christmas, Easter and Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day.
Speaking at the dinner, director of mission for Calvary Retirement Communities, Matthew Peel was full of praise for the group’s service, saying it had played an integral role in the lives of so many people in the community.
Similarly, Calvary Cessnock manager Kristin Smith applauded the women for their efforts over the years.
“Your service has been monumental and we can’t thank you enough for your love and support to our community over the past 55 years,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the group, secretary Norma Bailey said that she was extremely thankful to have had so many wonderful experiences during her time at the Billabong Cafe. Mrs Bailey’s mother was one of the founding members of the Auxiliary.
The legacy of the Auxiliary will live on with the group handing over the keys to Billabong Cafe to the next generation of volunteers.