Committee
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Patron – Amanda Keller President – Paul Gallagher Vice President – Chris Webber Treasurer – Julie Gavrilovic Secretary – Christopher Cosier Member – Max Beuster Member – Sarah Davies Member – Michael Dever Member – Francine Field
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Member – Antonia Folden Member – Julie Gavrilovic Member – Rhett Kentwell Member – Ash Otway Member – Jacqi Slade Member – Heidi Silva Member – Krissy Ukena Member – Mel Werner
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Message from Paul Gallagher - President
I was a founding member of the Sydney Kids Committee (Young Christopher Robin Committee as it was known at inception) way back in 1993. For me there were a number of reasons why I had an interest in assisting to raise funds and contribute to better enhancing the health of the children admitted to Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Firstly my sister was born with 26 fractures and diagnosed with Oesteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I) or brittle bones. I spent a considerable amount of my childhood visiting my younger sister Fiona when she was a patient at Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital (Now Sydney Children’s Hospital). It has been 37 years since then and treatments have changed but the role of charities hasn’t as the hospital still relies heavily on our support. Whilst my association with the hospital continues both professionally and personally our family still requires the services of the hospital now that my niece receives treatment for O.I the same condition her mum was born with.
I believe that my sister's illness dramatically influenced my life as I became a nurse and spent 7 years working at Sydney Children’s Hospital (1988 – 1995). My mother also played a significant part in my decision to raise money for the hospital. Mum was a member of the Christopher Robin Committee for 17 years and served a number of years as the president of this committee. This committee was one of the first significant charities to contribute funds to purchase medical equipment for the hospital. The committee was later recognised by the hospital by having a ward named after them. Furthermore my mother’s dedication and commitment to raising funds for the hospital did not go unnoticed as she was awarded an Order of Australia.
I enjoy being part of the committee and feel a sense of loyalty and pride in continuing to do so. Through my involvement with the committee I am proud to say that I am in awe of others you contribute to fundraising as members of the Sydney Kids Committee. These individuals would not have the same reasons I have to give back to the hospital but are more than happy to give up their time to help make a difference.
In looking back over the last 18 years, I am proud of the committee’s growth and achievements and am happy to have played a part in this.