It started with a gift
The establishment of the foundation started with a bequest from the late Gordon Wyndham McKeown, whose family had moved to the area in 1900. His bequest included a house, an art collection and shares valued at $770,000.
Gordon’s family owned a bakery and much of the land in Watton Street, Werribee. Gordon was a Director of the Conservatory of Music at University of Melbourne.
An engaged and involved Board of Directors and WHF’s dedicated team work to build community and private partnerships, to raise vital funds and awareness for the continued development of health promotion, research, education, equipment, facilities and special projects at Werribee Mercy Hospital, by doing so we are ensuring the Wyndham community has the hospital services that our community needs.
The WHF is a tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR 2 status), which can receive tax deductible donations. It is established as a Health Promotion Charity under the Australian Tax Office law. In addition, WHF is registered with the ACNC.
Foundation's history
1993
Prior to July 1993, the McKeown bequest was held in trust by the Werribee District Hospital. However, with the closure of the ageing Werribee District Hospital and the opening of Wyndham’s new public hospital, the trust funds were entrusted in 1993 to the Werribee District Hospital Charitable Foundation, more commonly known as Werribee Hospital Foundation.
Since that time the foundation has astutely managed the trust funds for the betterment of public hospital services.
2005
In 2005, the foundation received a $1 million boost from the estate of the late Vera Hanorah Davis of Watton Street, Werribee.
Vera Davis was a popular local identity who lived and worked in Werribee until she passed away aged 102 years. Vera was a member of the prominent Davis family, who owned property and businesses in the region.
In accordance Vera’s wishes, a perpetual trust is now preserved to support public hospital services in Wyndham well into the future.
OUR VISION
To ensure Wyndham has the hospital services that our community needs.
OUR MISSION
For the Improvement of public hospital services provided by hospitals located within the Wyndham Government Area.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
We are all about making sure the Wyndham community have a high standard of facilities and care for patients in the Wyndham public hospital system.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
As Wyndham’s dedicated foundation, supporting public hospitals within the region. Our key focus is generating funds to support and achieve high quality health care – this sits at the center of what we do.
