Recent Articles
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
A single act of generosity can shape a community for generations—and Les Dawber’s legacy is doing exactly that. From a lifetime of quiet service to an extraordinary final gift, his story comes to life at the McKellar Centre’s new Rehabilitation Garden. Built on a history of giving that began with the McKellar sisters, this space is more than a garden—it’s a place of healing, reflection, and connection. Les’s legacy now lives on in every patient’s recovery journey, a powerful reminder that the simplest acts of gratitude can leave the most lasting impact.
Recognition Where It’s Truly Deserved
True community legacy is built over time through quiet, consistent acts of generosity—and that spirit is at the heart of this story. Celebrating Australia Day Honours recipients Roxie Bennett OAM and Libby Bate OAM, this piece highlights how decades of volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership have helped shape a stronger, healthier Geelong community. Their recognition is a powerful reminder that lasting impact doesn’t come from one moment, but from a lifetime of showing up, giving back, and making a difference where it matters most.
Honouring Rebekah Bainbridge
Rebekah “Bek” Bainbridge’s story is one of courage, love, and lasting impact. After her brain cancer diagnosis, Bek chose to share her journey to help others, becoming a passionate advocate for cancer care in her Geelong community. Through her strength and generosity, and the continued efforts of her family, her legacy lives on—raising awareness, inspiring others, and supporting those facing similar battles. Bek’s story is a powerful reminder to live fully, give generously, and make a difference while we can.
Honouring Jack Ayerbe and his living leg...
Jack Ayerbe’s legacy is not just defined by recognition, but by the lasting impact he continues to make every day. A dedicated leader and long-time supporter of the Barwon Health Foundation, Jack has played a pivotal role in strengthening community healthcare through his leadership, generosity, and vision. From guiding the Foundation through key growth years to championing future-focused initiatives like the Bequest Society, his influence has inspired others to give and get involved. His story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is built on service, and that one person’s commitment can help shape a healthier, stronger community for generations to come.
What will we leave behind in 2026?
Legacy is often spoken about as something distant or lofty, as though it belongs only to history books or future generations. Yet our own legacy is being shaped every day, whether we are conscious of it or not..
Recognising a Heart of Gold
Last month, the Frank Costa Future Geelong Leadership Award was presented to someone whose impact on our region is deep and humble - Mr Lino Bisinella. Our Executive Director, Zoe Waters, reflects on a moment that captures exactly who Lino is. When the Foundation set out to improve health outcomes in Geelong’s north, Zoe reached out to Lino simply for advice. Instead, his response was "how can I help", with no desire for fanfare, no hesitation, just a genuine desire to help. It’s one story among many. Lino leads quietly, generously, and always with the community at heart. His actions, much like those of Frank Costa, continue to shape a stronger and fairer Geelong.
Dr Wallace's Vision of Care
In a city shaped by big ideas and generous hearts, few individuals have left as enduring a legacy as Dr Frederick Hilton 'Doc' Wallace JP, OBE. His name may not be as immediately recognisable to newcomers, but his impact can be found inside one of the community institutions in our region..
What's In a Name: The Patricia Heath Win...
These are just a few of the roles Mrs Patricia Heath OAM has played in shaping Geelong. Her influence runs deep, in culture, in service, and in the spirit of giving that defines Barwon Health. In a world where quiet leadership can sometimes go unnoticed, Mrs Heath stands as a powerful example of one person’s enduring commitment. Her remarks at the Barwon Health volunteers breakfast earlier this year, were a personal reflection of the lasting difference one determined leader can make.
The Legacy of Our Firefighters
The True Meaning of Philanthropy
Some years ago, I walked through the doors of Barwon Health’s Palliative Care Unit and was met with a sight that stopped me in my tracks. I have never forgotten the moment. Behind the reception desk, greeting families with warmth and grace, was a respected businessman. A former Mayor. Someone I have always admired for his kind leadership - leadership that inspires others to be better and do better, delivered by example, in a way that uplifts and unites. Here he was - quietly volunteering across our health service.
The Humble Egg
Long before gala dinners, fun runs and online appeals, Geelong rallied around its hospital with something far more humble: eggs. Yes, the humble chicken egg..
Behind the voice
At University Hospital Geelong, there is a group of people whose faces you may never see, but whose voices you may never forget. They are the switchboard staff – the voices behind the line.
One charity. Many causes. All here in Ge...
A name we should all know
Tucked away behind the Youang Surgery Centre, formerly known as Baxter House, stands a stately historic home. De Garis House is named in honour of Dr Mary De Garis, a woman whose legacy deserves to be widely known and celebrated.
Joining the fight against dementia
In late 2023, this group of Geelong locals found themselves connecting over a shared reality - someone they loved dearly was living with, or had died from, the hideous disease that is dementia. What started as informal conversation soon revealed a profound passion for change.
Celebrating the Adrian Costa Clinical Tr...
This week the Centre has been open for five years, marking a significant milestone in continuing research excellence into clinical care for the Geelong and Barwon South West community.
International Day of Charity
A Collective Legacy for the North
There is something deeply moving about the way strangers, often unknowingly, come together to build something that will outlast them. That’s the story behind the new Barwon Health dental facility in Norlane, which opened just over a year ago, funded by the State Government, Barwon Health and the Barwon Health Foundation. It is a story of generosity, foresight, and the profound impact collective giving can have on a community.
Celebrating 33 years of remarkable care:...
In 1992, cancer care in Geelong changed forever with the opening of Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre. Thirty-three years on, the centre remains pivotal in its treatment and support of patients across southwest Victoria. I think one of its greatest legacies lives in the healthcare workers who have walked beside thousands of individuals and families through their cancer journey.
An amazing legacy born from unimaginable...
In the shockwave that followed the 2002 Bali bombings, Geelong parents Graeme and Raye Lee were forced to deal with an unthinkable loss. Their sons Aaron (33) and Justin (31) and daughter-in-law Stacey Lee (30, nee Thornburgh) were among the 202 people killed. In the heavy silence that followed, the Lees resolved that their children’s names would move forward tethered to hope, not horror.
