Hospital Auxiliary

The volunteers who helped build the hospital

Long before the first patient arrived at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, a dedicated group of volunteers was already helping turn a vision into reality.

Through sewing, fundraising, catering, flower arranging and countless hours of service, the Auxiliary became an essential part of the Hospital’s story. Their work was often carried out quietly, but its impact has been felt for more than half a century.

At the heart of that story are volunteers such as Margaret Montgomery and Jan Saunders, whose commitment reflected the spirit of service that continues to support St Andrew’s today.

Building support before the hospital existed

The St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital Women’s Auxiliary was formally established on 7 July 1965, while plans for the new Hospital were still taking shape.

Drawing members from Toowoomba and surrounding communities, the Auxiliary quickly became a network of passionate supporters. Long before construction began, volunteers were sewing surgical linen, sheets, bed covers, nurses’ aprons and other essentials needed for the future Hospital.

At the same time, they worked tirelessly to raise funds through street stalls, sales and fashion parades. As founding member Margaret Montgomery later recalled:

“Before even a sod was turned, we had street stalls and the auxiliary held fashion parades. Oh yes, we worked hard. We wanted the Hospital so we had to help and work for it.”

Their efforts helped generate both financial support and community enthusiasm for the project.

Service in many forms

When St Andrew’s opened in 1966, the Auxiliary’s contribution continued.

Fundraising remained important, but members also provided practical assistance throughout the Hospital. Volunteers sewed, organised events and undertook projects that directly benefited patients and staff. One initiative even involved washing and rerolling bandages that were later sent overseas for the treatment of people suffering from leprosy.

The Auxiliary’s work reflected a simple but powerful belief: supporting the Hospital meant supporting the wider community.

The people behind the tradition

Few people were more closely associated with the Auxiliary than Jan Saunders, a founding member whose involvement spanned decades. She worked in tray services, assisted as a patient aide and became a key part of the flower roster established shortly after the Hospital opened.

For Jan, caring for patients was about more than practical help.

“The patients really appreciate having their flowers done and we are always somebody to talk to.”

Margaret Montgomery also left a lasting mark on the organisation. A founding member and Auxiliary President from 1975 to 1986, she helped expand fundraising and community activities while remaining deeply committed to the Hospital. Her service extended even further through more than 30 years on the Board of Governors.

Growing with the community

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Auxiliary fetes became popular community events, raising valuable funds and strengthening connections between the Hospital and the people it served.

As volunteer organisations evolved, so did the Auxiliary. In 1995, it changed its name from the Women’s Auxiliary to the St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital Auxiliary, opening membership to men while continuing its longstanding mission of service and support.

Today, volunteers still contribute through activities such as flower rosters, cake stalls and fundraising events, ensuring the tradition established by the founding members continues.

A lasting legacy

The history of St Andrew’s is often told through the contributions of its doctors, nurses, leaders and benefactors. Equally important, however, are the volunteers who worked behind the scenes to help make the Hospital what it is today.

For more than 50 years, these volunteers have helped create a culture of service that remains an enduring part of St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.