Connection
Bayside Health Peninsula
Spring 2026
Connecting our community through healthy giving
Meet Jana Gazarek: Leading Bayside Health Peninsula into its next chapter Jana Gazarek, the interim Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of Bayside Health Peninsula is focused on improving access to care and delivering better health outcomes for the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community.
“I feel very privileged to lead people every day who make a significant difference to the healthcare and health outcomes of our community,” says Jana. Jana began her career as a podiatrist, working across community health, private practice and hospitalbased settings. “I had a real passion for working in the chronic wound service and as part of a multidisciplinary team providing care to patients,” explains Jana. “It was at this point that I realised I was interested in making a difference to more than just the one patient in front of me, and I began to pursue broader management roles that allowed me to learn about the healthcare system and how it can be influenced.” Over the next 12 months, Jana’s focus will be on continuing to embed services within Peninsula University Hospital following its opening in January, while progressing several major projects across the organisation.
Image: Jana with Intensive Care Unit Patient Services Assistant Cheryl Baker at Peninsula University Hospital
“We have a number of key capital and philanthropic projects to implement, including a new oncology model of care that brings care closer to home, the introduction of more roboticassisted surgery, and the replacement of the CT scanner at Rosebud Hospital,” says Jana.
Another focus for Jana over the next 12 months is the continued integration of services across Bayside Health following the merger of Peninsula Health with Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and Kooweerup Regional Health Service at the start of the year.
“Philanthropic support is significant for our organisation — it allows us to purchase new equipment, upgrade to the latest technology, and ensure our community can access specialist care closer to home.” Outside of work, Jana is a mum, dog owner and passionate Hawthorn supporter. “I love spending time with my nineyear-old daughter, my family and our Bernedoodle, Rocket,” adds Jana. “When I’m not watching the family play footy or netball, I like to spend time outdoors, walking, riding our bikes, and going to the beach.”
Image: Jana Gazarek, Interim Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Bayside Health Peninsula
Connection
Welcome from the interim Chief Executive It is a pleasure to welcome you to this edition of Connection and to introduce myself as the interim Chief Executive of Bayside Health Peninsula.
I have met many of our donors over the years since I first joined Bayside Health Peninsula in 2024, and I look forward to having the opportunity to connect with more of our supporters in the months ahead.
Although we are now part of a larger organisation, our fundraising remains local and will continue to be used to support care provision right here, across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
We are also well into the first year of Bayside Health, which was established in January 2026 to bring together the expertise of five health services and deliver high-quality care at every stage of life.
In this edition of Connection, you will find stories that highlight the impact of giving, from the contributions of community groups to the generosity of individual donors.
Over the coming years we are focusing on clinical integration across Bayside Health to drive benefits for patients and our community. One example is Sandringham Maternity, which is now managed by Bayside Health Peninsula after more than a decade under external partners.
Thank you for your ongoing support. It truly makes a difference to the care we provide to our community every day.
This means women and families across the Bayside Health catchment can receive the care they need, close to home, from a single health service.
Interim Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer Bayside Health, Peninsula
Jana Gazarek,
Since the opening of Peninsula University Hospital in January, our clinical teams have been busy settling into their new spaces and embedding new models of care. To date, we have delivered:
more than 6400 surgeries 2300 oncology treatments care for 730 children 370 chemotherapy treatments support for 870 births
Image: The new equipment will support patients like Zara, pictured with her mum Samantha
New emergency equipment for our smallest patients Thanks to the support of donors like you and Team Bayside Health Peninsula at Run Melbourne, our tax appeal raised $70,000. This will be used to purchase equipment to care for critically ill babies and children, including a Resuscitaire, Nitrous Oxide Machine and Bubble CPAP for the Paediatric Emergency Department (ED) at Peninsula University Hospital. Forty-seven people joined Team Bayside Health Peninsula at Run Melbourne on 19 July, running the half marathon, 10K and 5.5K in support our Paediatric ED.
Spring 2026
Preventing hair loss for cancer patients Our new scalp cooling caps have arrived and are being used by patients in the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Peninsula University Hospital. Scalp cooling technology helps prevent hair loss, giving patients a better chance to keep their hair and hold onto a sense of self during an incredibly vulnerable time.
More local patients are now able to access this technology, thanks to the generosity of our local community who supported our Christmas Appeal last year, raising $55,000.
Image: Chemotherapy Day Unit Nurse Manager Joan Thomas with the Paxman Scalp Cooling Machine
Ivy and Casey’s fruitful fundraising A heartfelt thank you to South Waterfall Gully’s Ivy and Casey, who raised funds for Rosebud Hospital by selling fruit skewers in their neighbourhood. The girls raised a total of $22, which they presented to Jacqui Allen, Director of Nursing, along with the below letter.
Dear Rosebud Hospital, My friend Ivy and I made some fruit skewers up and sold them in our street. We raised twenty two dollars in total and thought we would give it to you. My neighbours donated and purchased them. Hope this helps, we will try to raise some more money soon. From Ivy & Casey and the customers of South Waterfall Gully
Image: Rosebud Hospital Director of Nursing Jacqui Allen with Casey and her mum
We hope we will hear of more fundraising ventures from Ivy and Casey in the future.
Connection
Frankston Football Club joins the fight against brain cancer We are delighted to welcome the Frankston Football Club as a valued supporter of Peninsula University Hospital’s Brain Cancer Service. The Club has chosen to direct its fundraising efforts towards brain cancer care, dedicating a recent VFL match in Frankston to launch the new partnership. Proceeds from its Gala Ball, Presidents Dinner and auctions will benefit the Oncology Unit at Peninsula University Hospital.
Legacy donors hear about the future of cancer care in Rosebud Bayside Health Peninsula welcomed its valued southern peninsula legacy donors to a special morning tea at Rosebud Hospital in June, to provide an opportunity to connect with our healthcare leaders and learn more about the lasting impact of their generosity. The event brought together donors with Bayside Health Peninsula interim Chief Executive Jana Gazarek and Head of Oncology, Associate Professor Mahesh Iddawela.
Image: Interim Chief Executive Jana Gazarek at the Brain Cancer Fundraiser VFL match in Frankston
This incredible commitment will help support patients and families facing one of life’s most challenging diagnoses, while also contributing to the advancement of brain cancer care, research, and treatment at Peninsula University Hospital. We are deeply grateful to the Frankston Football Club, its members, sponsors, and supporters for their generosity, compassion, and community spirit.
Guests heard firsthand about innovative research treatments and new programs that will be made possible through recent legacy gifts. These initiatives are expected to deliver significant benefits for the Rosebud community and surrounding areas by improving access to cancer research opportunities, expanding screening services, and supporting earlier detection and treatment of cancer.
Partnerships like this demonstrate the remarkable impact that can be achieved when a community comes together behind a cause that truly matters.
Thank you to everyone who stands with us as we work to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. Your support is helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Go Dolphins! The morning tea also provided an opportunity to thank supporters whose lasting commitment will help advance cancer care and research for generations to come.
Image: Interim Chief Executive Jana Gazarek having morning tea with legacy donors
Spring 2026
Helen McLaren’s lasting legacy to transform cancer care A generous gift in Will from former patient Helen McLaren will help establish Victoria’s first Early Onset Cancer Program, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit patients and families for generations to come. Following a diagnosis of renal cancer, Helen was initially told she had just 18 months to live. During her treatment, she was introduced to Medical Oncologist Dr Babak Tamjid, who supported her in exploring clinical trial opportunities at Peninsula University Hospital.
The innovative treatments made available through these clinical trials proved life-changing, helping Helen extend her life by a further five years beyond her original prognosis. Always looking on the positive side of life, Helen was determined not to waste a moment. She had a life to live and enjoy, and cancer was not going to stop her. Together with her best friend, Heather, she travelled extensively, exploring destinations across Europe and even taking a memorable flight over Antarctica. Throughout her treatment journey, Helen developed deep connections with her care team and felt immense gratitude for the support, expertise, and compassion she experienced. Motivated by a desire to give back to the community that had supported her, Helen made the remarkable decision to leave a gift in her Will. Helen’s generosity will now enable the establishment of the Helen McLaren Early Onset Cancer Program — the first initiative of its kind in Victoria. The program will support earlier diagnosis, improved care pathways, and better outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer at a younger age. Helen’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the difference a single act of generosity can make. Through her gift, she continues to provide hope, care, and opportunity for others, ensuring her impact will be felt far beyond her lifetime.
Create a Will with Safewill Bayside Health Peninsula has partnered with Safewill, one of Australia’s leading online Will-writing platforms, to help make planning for the future simple and accessible. Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the people and causes you care about most. It gives you peace of mind knowing your wishes are clearly documented and legally recognised.
Top reasons to have a Will: • Decide how your assets and estate will be distributed • Ensure your children are cared for by appointing guardians • Avoid unnecessary costs and complications for loved ones • Navigate financial responsibilities and final arrangements
Image: Former patient Helen McLaren
Find out more If you would like to learn more about leaving a legacy through a gift in your Will to Bayside Health Peninsula, please contact Cara-Jo Kirk on 03 9788 1232 or email ckirk@phcn.vic.gov.au
• Plan ahead for future uncertainty • Update your Will as your circumstances change • Have a say in how you want to be remembered • Protect your digital footprint and tie up loose ends
• Choose the person you want to act as your Executor • Make sure your pets continue to receive the care they deserve • Support charities and causes that matter to you
Scan the QR code to write your Will online.
Connection
The Green Cross Bus project – delivering wellness on wheels It was a simple but powerful idea: How can health services better reach people who experience significant barriers to care, particularly those who are vulnerable, experiencing homelessness, or sleeping rough? Bayside Health has collaborated with Green Cross to bring this vision to life, with the ‘wellness on meals’ model. This has included the generous donation of an electric van, which Green Cross acquired and has modified to meet our specifications.
Image: Wellness on wheels (concept only)
The new service is designed to deliver accessible health support directly within community settings, offering health checks, education, brief clinical interventions, and referrals to ongoing health and social services. It also aims to provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, in a location that is culturally safe and welcoming.
As we prepare to launch the locations, we are aligning service roles, and ensuring the model can adapt as needs emerge. The Green Cross Bus represents more than a mobile service. It is a proactive and preventative approach to healthcare that places people at the centre, and recognises positive outcomes occur when services meet communities where they are.
A legacy of generosity: Dromana Lions supports Rosebud Hospital The Dromana Lions continues to demonstrate what it truly means to be a group of dedicated community champions. As a long-standing and passionate supporter of Rosebud Hospital, the group’s generosity has made a lasting impact over the years, with a lifetime contribution of $141,000. This year is no exception.
Image: Director of Nursing at Rosebud Hospital Jacqui Allen with Lions Club members
Once again, the Dromana Lions has stepped forward with a donation of $10,000, reinforcing the group’s unwavering commitment to improving local healthcare services.
The group’s latest contribution will go towards the purchase of a HiLo Electric Chair Blood Pressure Monitor for the new lymphoedema clinic – an essential piece of equipment that will greatly enhance patient comfort, accessibility, and the quality of care provided.
Spring 2026
Community champions: McClelland College goes above and beyond McClelland College has proudly taken part in the Colour Run challenge for the third year in a row in support of the Peta Murphy Breast Imaging Suite. What began as a fun and energetic event has grown into something truly remarkable. Each year, participation and enthusiasm increase, and so does the impact.
Over the past three years, the McClelland College community has raised an outstanding total of
$13,690 This is a testament to the school’s dedication, teamwork, and generosity.
Image: McClelland College Colour Run 2026
The Colour Run is not only a day filled with laughter, colour, and school spirit, but it also represents something much bigger. Every dollar raised contributes to vital new equipment for the Peta Murphy Breast Imaging Suite, directly supporting improved care and outcomes for members of the community.
Celebrating our volunteers and consumer advisors Bayside Health Peninsula celebrated its dedicated volunteers and consumer advisors at the annual volunteer luncheon on 22 May, recognising the important role they play in supporting patients, families and staff members across the health service. Held during National Volunteer Week, the event was an opportunity to thank the many individuals who generously contribute their time, skills, and lived experience to help deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Volunteers and consumer advisors make a meaningful difference every day, whether by directly supporting patients or by helping shape services, and improve the healthcare experiences of community members.
Image: Volunteers and consumer advisors with Bayside Health Board Chair The Hon. Martin Foley at the annual luncheon in Mornington
Their commitment helps create a stronger, more responsive health service and drives positive change for those who rely on it. The luncheon also recognised several individuals for reaching significant service milestones, celebrating their years of dedication and contribution.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer call 9784 2674 or a consumer advisor call 9784 2665.
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Image: Peninsula Boys Car Enthusiasts with our fundrasing team members Cara-Jo Kirk & Bronwyn Braden
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A huge thank you to the Peninsula Boys Car Enthusiasts who recently donated $66,000 to Bayside Health Peninsula. What a remarkable achievement!
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Cara-Jo Kirk, Legacy and Giving Manager, and Bronwyn Braden, Community Fundraising Coordinator, were thrilled to receive the donation from the group in July.
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Bronwyn has joined us from Peninsula Home Hospice, and will be working closely with all of our wonderful community groups, clubs, and auxiliaries that support us. If you would like to speak to Bronwyn, you can reach her via email BronwynBraden@phcn.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 9788 1504.
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