About Us
Our Purpose
The WMFL aims to promote health and prevent disease in Moorabool Shire, focusing especially on Moorabool’s west. Our constitution identifies:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Dementia, and
- Mental health illnesses,
as diseases particularly affecting Moorabool’s population. The Foundation can act in relation to other diseases, and is keen to remain flexible in its approach to promoting the conditions for good health.
The WMFL has broad powers to promote awareness, provide resources, advocate for health equity, and build partnerships in pursuit of its aims.
Download our Constitution
Our Directors
Robert Eskdale
President (Interim)
Robert was a Life Governor of Ballan’s bush nursing hospital and served on its board for over 40 years. Currently retired, he worked as a municipal engineer for the Ballan Shire before running a successful business with his wife Anne Eskdale.
Ann Griffin
Director (Interim)
Ann worked as Manager, People and Culture, at Ballan’s bush nursing hospital. She has extensive experience working in and managing not-for-profits, including psychiatric and disability services.
Tor Roxburgh
Secretary (Interim)
Tor worked as Communications Manager at Ballan’s bush nursing hospital. She has a background in family violence services, writing, publishing, and public art. Previously, she sat on the board of Writers Victoria.
Julie Dargan
Director
Julie Dargan is a Stakeholder Community Engagement Manager. In another life she worked as a Registered Nurse for 20 years.
Peter Mayall
Finance Director
Peter is a chartered accountant with over 40 years of experience in areas including business structures and monitoring, management accounting, income tax, capital gains tax, GST, small business concessions, and auditing. He is chair of the Committee for Wyndham, a board member of the Werribee Football Club, and a member of Wyndham BizNet.
Through its links to the bush nursing hospital, the foundation traces its origin story back to 1944
Our History
In 2021, west Moorabool’s community-owned bush nursing hospital sold to mecwacare. The hospital association members wanted to derive a health benefit from the residual funds. They voted to establish the West Moorabool Foundation Ltd and founded the charity in April 2023. Shortly after, the foundation achieved Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. This means it can receive tax-deductible donations from the public and gifts from other charities.
Through its links to the bush nursing hospital, the foundation traces its origin story back to 1944. It was then that the people of Ballan and surrounds began fundraising to build a local hospital. In 1966, the Ballan and District Soldiers’ Memorial Bush Nursing Hospital opened its doors and began caring for the west Moorabool community.
The foundation acknowledges the lives of those who served and died in World War II, to whom the bush nursing hospital was dedicated. We hope to honour that wonderful, practical memorial in our work.