December 22, 2023One of the very important jobs that members of the Executive team do at this time of the year is to judge the Christmas Decorating Competition.
Inundated with entries and enthusiasm, the judging road trip, consisting of Michelle Fenwick, Basil Ireland, Pina Di Donato, with special appearances by Debra Bourne, Jason Cirone, Belinda Scott and Director of Public Affairs, Emma Cutajar, was ‘jolly green to go’.
Zipping along Cooper Street to number 230, judges were greeted with an abundance of tinsel, baubles, and good cheer. Teams went to great lengths to impress judges with their dance moves, printed t-shirts, creative visual displays, and the occasional chocolate bribe. From the elegant and beautiful to the quirky and intricately creative, the judges were in complete awe of staff efforts.
But these judges couldn’t be bought, although they very much appreciated the chocolates! Back to Northern Hospital Epping, and with so many entries, the team was only able to visit half of them on that day. Completely blown away by the quality of the entries, the competition was fiercely competitive.
Sustainability was a key feature with many recycled and reusable goods being repurposed into decorations. The Grinch was a popular theme among staff this year, something some of the judges could relate to. Other notable themes were snowflakes, gingerbread, winter wonderland, and Santa’s workshop. Northern Health’s values, safe, kind, together also featured in some displays.
The road trip zoomed (safely) down the freeway to arrive at Kilmore District Hospital where the Food Services Department, the Enviro Team and Outpatients showcased their spectacular displays. Special mention to the District Nursing team and the Education team, who had even gone to the effort of superimposing Jennifer Gilham’s face on their Santa display. A repurposed bathtub was crafted into a sleigh, complete with reindeer by the Enviro team, proving why they are masters at their craft.
Back down the highway, it was Craigieburn’s turn to shine with a beautiful display at reception, captivating patients, and visitors with their multifaceted decorations.
A new week brought another round of judging. The day started back at Northern Hospital Epping, for the remaining entries. With so much still to see, judges were delighted once again with the quality of what was on show. Playing to their strengths, the Digital Health Education team’s digital fireplace was a mesmerising feature worthy of a special mention.
Aligning with the staff barbecue, the road trip headed to Bundoora campus. Previous winners, Ward One, did not disappoint with their stunning display, while over at Ian Brand Residential Care, residents captured the hearts of our judges as they proudly presented their handmade decorations, posing for photos as their fellow residents sang Christmas Carols in the background.
It was then time for Broadmeadows Hospital to impress the judges. Beautiful displays all around made it increasingly challenging for judges to separate the entries. Small teams decorated their spaces beautifully, reflective of their team culture with Unit One and the Surgical Team outdoing themselves once again.
Last, but certainly not least, judges journeyed to the Northern Community Care Unit in Preston. Here they were treated to a beautiful array of lovingly handmade decorations, with a Christmasy atmosphere and space for residents and staff to enjoy the festive season.
Overall, the standards were extremely high with over 50 entries. Judges were impressed with the level of creativity, care and teamwork that had gone into the decorating. Staff worked on their days off, and during breaks to ensure patient care was prioritized. Many were first time entrants, while others involved patients and residents in the crafting of decorations. Judges would like to thank everyone for making Northern Health’s campuses look so festive and cheerful over the past few weeks.
Find out who the winners are in the video below.
Congratulations to all of our winners!
You will shortly receive an email about how you will receive your prizes.
Wishing all of our hardworking staff and volunteers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
