Friends of Austin
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The community has been fundraising for Austin Health since Elizabeth Austin’s first gift in 1882. In 1925, these wonderful volunteers formed together as the 'Friends of Austin Health' and have been raising money on our behalf ever since.
Today, these valuable volunteers devote thousands of hours each year to raise funds mainly through retail activities, including Austin Gifts, the Diamond Creek Op Shop, the Royal Talbot Gift Shop and the Greensborough Auxilliary.
Beverley Briese, President of the Friends of Austin Health, has been volunteering for Austin Health for over 40 years. "Giving back to the community was an important part of my upbringing. I am proud to have had many volunteer roles at Austin Health over those years." Other members of the Friends of Austin Health Committee are Yvonne Dunt, Irene Hubbard, Dorothy Grant and Val Strantzen.
Over the years the Friends of Austin Health have raised millions to advance and support healthcare. In 2019, the Friends donated a state-of-the-art surgical microscope used by our plastic and reconstructive surgeons. In 2020, the Friends have funded a number of state-of-the-art anesthetic machines to be used across the health service.
If you would like to know more about the Friends of Austin Health please email foundation@austin.org.au.
If you would like to volunteer for any of the retail shops, please visit our volunteer vacancies page.
Austin Gifts
Located in the Harold Stokes Building at Austin Health, Austin Gifts is staffed by our dedicated team of volunteers and is a new and beautiful space for staff, patients and families to enjoy. There is a fabulous range of new products including homewares, jewellery, children’s gifts and so much more. Every purchase made at the shop is a donation to the hospital. Funds raised will help Austin Health continue to provide world-leading healthcare to our community.
Austin Gifts is also now available online for you to purchase a gift for a loved one in hospital or to be delivered to you at home.
Location
Level 3, Harold Stokes Building
145 Studley Rd
Heidelberg VIC 3084
Open hours
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Operating hours vary. Contact Foundation team on 03 9496 5753 for weekly operating hours.
Maximum of 5 customers in-store at one time.
Gift Shop at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
The Royal Talbot Gift Shop is stocked with new and pre loved items and staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers. Our range varies each month and may include:
- stationery and gift cards for any occasion
- toiletries
- jewellery
- collectables
- linen including tea towels
- china, tableware and accessories
- homemade preserves and jams
Location
Royal Talbot Main Entrance
Yarra Boulevard
Kew VIC 3101
Phone: 03 9490 7500
Open hours
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Diamond Creek Opportunity Shop
The Diamond Creek Opportunity Shop is full to the brim with clothing, books, glassware, crockery, jewellery and much more, to peruse with the assistance of our volunteers. All proceeds from the sale of goods are donated to the hospital, helping Austin Health continue to provide world-leading healthcare to our community.
Location
42-44 Main Hurstbridge Road
Diamond Creek VIC 3089
Phone: 03 9438 2426
Open hours
Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm.
Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
