celebrating after purchasing a trauma trolley for the local hospital that will help victims through the recovery of their injuries.

The equipment’s claim to fame is its ability to allow hospital staff to work on a person without moving them.

This includes allowing x-rays to be taken without shifting the person from bed to bed minimising the risks of further injury.

The members of the UHA were thrilled with this new resource available to the people of Lightning Ridge but this is not the first asset they have contributed the town’s health.

In the past five years the organisation has spent in excess of $70,000 on wheelchairs, furniture, medical equipment and specialised items, as well as vouchers for people over Christmas.

While the group works hard to scrape together the funds for these purchases by running the Trash and Treasure markets once a month and by selling scarves and beanies knitted by nurse manager Liz Greaves, but the purchase of the recent trauma trolley would not have been possible without the contribution of three local girls who raise money throughout the year for the community.

To thank Judy Melonas, Carol Ramsay and Dianne Brown for their donations and dedication to Lightning Ridge the United Hospital Auxiliary nominated them for the ‘Consistent Community Service’ Australia Day award.

“They do so much, not just for us but for the preschool, Royal Flying Doctors Service and Opal FM,” Ms Mateer said.

“They would do anything for this small country town and it needs to be encouraged.”

“These girls fundraise evry week and distribute money to different charities and at the end of the year they have put in a lot of time and effort towards what they do,” Mr Webb said.

While the three did not win the award they did receive certificates of achievement for their troubles.

“It is nice to have been nominated again and be acknowledged for the work we do,” Ms Melonas said.

“It gives us the heart to keep it going.”

“Someone has got to do it,” Ms Ramsay said.

“And in my spare time I run the motel”.