The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch has presented a cheque for $24,070 to East Grampians Health Service, the final instalment as part of its commitment to the purchase of a new anaesthetic machine.
The $114,070 anaesthetic machine is now in use in the EGHS Jason Bond Perioperative Unit.
The upgrade of the Perioperative Unit was funded by the Ararat Branch in 2015 and included a redesign and refurbishment of the theatre recovery and day procedure unit. It was named in memory of local young man Jason Bond, a police officer in training, who died as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 2011.

The donation to the health service comes from the proceeds of the Ararat Branch’s major annual events, the Grampians ’Ride to Remember’ and the Gala Night.
Ararat Branch president Dianne Radford said the branch was pleased to be able to complete the anaesthetic machine project.
“The anaesthetic machine is a vital piece of equipment for the Perioperative Unit, and we are very pleased
to donate this equipment to the unit named in honour of Jason Bond,” Mrs Radford said.
“The project has been completed in 12 months, from the first instalment in August 2024, a remarkable
achievement made possible through the fantastic support of our local community.
“The Ararat Branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation was formed 23 years ago, and since then we have donated more than $1 million to East Grampians Health Service, of which our volunteer committee is very proud.”
The anaesthetic machine is used for anaesthetic purposes for every patient who has a procedure in theatre. It acts as the lungs for the anaesthetised patient, with the ability to administer the correct amounts of medication required for that patient to have their surgery, in a safe and controlled environment.

EGHS chief executive Nick Bush thanked the Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch for the donation of the final instalment and generous support of the anaesthetic machine project.
“With the support and dedication of the Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch, partners, businesses,
organisations and everyone who annually supports the Ararat Branch’s fundraising efforts, we are able to
provide state of the art equipment and facilities for our community,” Mr Bush said.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch is currently in discussions with East Grampians Health Service
regarding a new project to support.

Pictured in the EGHS Jason Bond Perioperative Unit with the new anaesthetic machine are: L-R
standing, Director of Clinical Services Bec Peters, former Director of Clinical Services Peter Armstrong,
anaesthetist Dr Neil Provis-Vincent, Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch members, Kate Gleeson,
Dianne Radford, Shaun Allen, Dean Pinniger, Stuart Kerr; seated L-R, Jess Molloy, Manager Perioperative
Unit Kirsten Carr and Carlia Byron.