By Luke Voogt
If anyone deserves the best care at St John of God Hospital, it’s new Order of Australia medallist Jan Kinloch.
Over almost 30 years Jan and the hospital’s auxiliary have raised $612,000 for new beds, medical equipment and patient transport.
“I have a passion for the place and I hope I’ve helped,” the 71-year-old said while recovering at the hospital from pneumonia on Tuesday.
Jan joined the auxiliary in 1989, serving as president since 1998.
“We do fundraising and we run the little gift shot seven days a week,” the Highton local said.
The hospital’s special care nursery, oncology department and Japanese gardens are also a part of Jan’s legacy.
“But it’s not just me, it’s all the ladies,” she pointed out.
“They’re all wonderful. I’ve had some brilliant people over the years.”
Until recently Jan also volunteered driving patients in a car the auxiliary supplied.
“We’re raising funds to buy a new car because it’s 10 years old,“ she said.
Jan joined Scouts in 1981 as a leader alongside husband Ken and has been treasurer of its local museum since 2005.
She has also promoted women’s issues for decades with National Council of Women of Australia.
An overjoyed Jan admitted she struggled to keep the honour a secret until Australia Day.
“Only my husband knows. I feel so privileged someone has nominated me – it’s going to be a very special day in my life.”
Jan joined Diana Allen, Roger Allen, Paul Hemming, Michael Mace, Peter Mansfield, Mark O’Leary and Barrie Provan in becoming Geelong’s newest Order of Australia Medal recipients today.
