Board members Peter O’Keeffe and Geoff Youl have stood down from the board after distinguished service.

Mr O’Keeffe was a member of the board for 26 years, his involvement beginning after a conversation with the late Graham Woodrup.

“At the time I was a member of the Port Fairy Apex Club,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

“The club was doing some fundraising for the Port Fairy hospital and Woody asked if I wanted to join the board. I have really enjoyed my time on the board, I have got a lot out of it, it is satisfying to see how it has grown to what it is today.”

During his time on the board, the hospital grew into a full-blown health services.

“The focus has certainly changed, it is now about providing services that allow people to stay in their own homes as long as they can.

“When residents come into Moyneyana House or Belfast House it is when they need a higher level of care.”

The ability to help people stay in their own homes will continue to grow with the construction of a new community health facility currently underway.

An electrician by trade, Mr O’Keeffe has taken on the role of projects construction manager, a role he will continue into future stages of the re-development.

Mr Youl’s term as a board member lasted for 16 years but his association with the health services goes back much further.

Mr Youl said he was recruited onto the board by former CEO Gavin Butler.

“I was part of the Yambuk Auxiliary for 50 years and we raised a lot of money for the hospital,” Mr Youl said.

“Gavin asked me to come onto the board and it was something I was happy to do.

“There have been a lot of changes over the years but we have always retained the support of the community.

“As long as you tell the community the reasons you are making decisions they will stick by what you are doing, that support has been very important.” 

Moyne Health Services CEO David Lee was full of praise for the work done by both men.

He said while the board had lost 41 years service, the contributions would be lasting ones.

“Both Peter and Geoff brought to the board some distinct skills that added a lot of value to what we have achieved,” Mr Lee said.

“They have been very important in the redevelopment of the health services.

“They have helped drive the process since the master plan was unveiled in 2010. The board has had some great chemistry and Peter and Geoff have played big roles in that.”