Hospital having a ball

The Williamstown Hospital ball will return as a one-off event next month, to raise the final $200,000 needed for a $2.2 million upgrade.

Actor and comedian Shaun Micallef is hosting the event, part of the Heart of Williamstown hospital appeal, at Williamstown Town Hall on September 2.

Unlike most hospitals, Williamstown’s, which opened in 1894, lacks outdoor spaces for patients and visitors.

The appeal is aimed at raising money to build a new facade and a community hub in the heart of the hospital, with courtyards and gardens for patient rehabilitation and exercise.

Williamstown businesswoman Jenny Sadler, who is one of the organisers, said Williamstown Hospital historically had a proud tradition of fundraising balls and events at the town hall.

“Our intention is to raise money for the refurbishment of the community areas of the hospital but, in itself, the entertainment on the night will be a lot of fun,” she said.

“It will be a terrifically good-value night … as well as, hopefully, people will be able to … dig deep for their local hospital which is here to stay but it needs a bit of love.

“Hopefully, this night will be able to finalise the final amount of money that we do need to be able to break ground in the hospital.”

Guests can enjoy a three-course meal and entertainment by Absolutely 80s, featuring Brian Mannix of Uncanny Xmen, Scott Carne of Kids In The Kitchen and Dale Ryder of Boom Crash Opera.

Tickets are $195 per person: trybooking.com/QVMB

Goya Dmytryshchak