For many years, McKern Steel has been proud to support Bendigo Health. From helping create welcoming spaces for children and families, to supporting mental health initiatives and cancer services, the partnership reflects a long-standing belief that strong local businesses have an important role to play in building a healthier, more connected community.
This commitment is visible through various initiatives, including the “McKern Steel Children’s Ward” at Bendigo Health. The McKern Foundation is the naming rights sponsor of the ward, with annual sponsorship supporting a space that provides care for children.
McKern Steel’s connection to Bendigo Health also grew during the establishment of the new hospital building, when a generous contribution from the McKern Foundation helped Bendigo Health establish a playground adjacent to the Children’s Ward- a fun space for children to enjoy some sunshine and have a play.
“Bendigo Health plays such an important role in our region, and we’re proud to support the hospital and the families who rely on its services. The Children’s Ward has always been especially close to our hearts, and our lifetime naming rights sponsorship is one way we can continue backing local families and healthcare workers for years to come,” said Michael McKern.
McKern Steel has also taken part in Move for Mental Health, an initiative raising funds to improve treatment and wellbeing outcomes for mental health patients across the Loddon Mallee region. Through both fundraising and sponsorship, our team has helped keep attention on an issue that affects many local families, workplaces and communities.
The McKern Foundation has also supported the Bendigo Health Foundation, whose work helps fund services, equipment and programs that make a direct difference to patients and staff. This kind of support helps strengthen regional healthcare by ensuring more people can access care and support closer to home.
More recently, McKern Steel has supported the Corvette for Cancer raffle, which raised more than $1 million to support regional cancer patients treated through Bendigo Health.
With funds directed towards cancer care, including services such as specialist nurses, wellness treatments, equipment, research, palliative care and accommodation for rural patients travelling for treatment, the raffle showed what can be achieved when businesses and community members rally behind a shared cause.
For McKern Steel, supporting Bendigo Health is part of a bigger commitment to giving back.
Through the McKern Foundation, the business continues to invest in initiatives that bring health, hope and opportunity to children, families and people facing difficult circumstances. Whether through the Children’s Ward, mental health fundraising, support for hospital staff, or cancer care initiatives, the focus remains the same- backing the people and services that hold the community together.