Ben Gilbert, renowned sculptor, will this month join Yackandandah Health’s Committee of Management.
Committee president, Donald Crosthwaite said Yackandandah Health was excited to welcome another long-term community member to bring a new perspective to the organisation’s strategic discussions and vision.
“Ben is well known for his amazing public sculptures and has a natural affinity with design and space. For our Committee and the plans we have, his skills and experience are going to be significant but his experience in running a business will also be very valuable,” Mr Crosthwaite said.
“He grew up in a home that borders our site and has a real connection here and to the local community.”
Mr Gilbert, 40, had a sibling that was born at Yackandandah Health, his mother worked as a nurse, his uncle now lives in Yackandandah Health’s residential aged care and he can still remember when his Nanna moved into Yackandandah Health.
“She wanted to stay in her home as long as she could, but I can clearly remember when she moved in, she said she should have moved in a lot earlier and not spent so many years by herself at home.
“We moved to Yackandandah when I was a baby and I know the space because every day I walked through the paddocks on the way to school. I am really honoured to have been approached to join the Committee,” Mr Gilbert said.
“Yackandandah Health is taking some big steps with their plans for more community interaction on the site, so they need as many different minds as possible. It shows a shift that they are open and engaging broadly,” he said.
Mr Gilbert has designed and constructed many children’s playgrounds and is currently working on one catering for children and their wheelchairs for the Cardinia Shire Council.
Mr Crosthwaite said with Mr Gilbert’s appointment, the Committee of Management now has a full contingent.