News

The love and generosity that defined A Night for Frankie May have now created lasting change for local families. On Monday, Albury Wodonga Health unveiled new neonatal training equipment purchased through Frankie May’s Gift, honouring the legacy of Frankie May Maroney. 

More than $118,250 raised in Frankie’s honour has funded a SimNewB Neonatal Simulator and new breast pumps for AWH’s Special Care Nursery — equipment that is already strengthening clinical training and supporting families navigating premature or complex births. 

The campaign was established by Frankie’s parents, Bree Sinclair and Sam Maroney, after Frankie was born at 23 weeks and lived for 137 days. Their hope was that her life would continue to make a difference for other families in the Border community. Funds were raised through A Night for Frankie May, a sell-out community gala in September featuring key-note speaker Gary Ablett Jr, and community fundraising campaign. 

A Night for Frankie May was hosted at the SS&A Club, whose generosity played a significant role in the success of the campaign, donating $40,000 towards the total raised. The event was also supported by a number of local businesses and community sponsors who helped bring the campaign to life. 

At a special unveiling event on Monday, supporters, staff and family members gathered to celebrate the profound impact of the campaign — transforming community generosity into equipment that will help save lives for years to come. 

“Frankie’s legacy now lives on through the equipment helping local families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and we couldn’t be more proud that her story is creating hope for others,” said Bree Sinclair.  

The SimNewB Neonatal Simulator is already reshaping neonatal and maternity training across the region. 

“The SimNewB has made a truly profound difference to the education and training of our medical and nursing staff,” said Jane Nichol, Nurse Unit Manager – Special Care Nursery. “It has elevated the calibre of neonatal assessment and resuscitation training, helping us deliver the highest standard of specialised care. 

“The addition of the breast pumps has also made an enormous difference, supporting more mothers to express breastmilk for both premature and well babies. Breastmilk is such a precious resource, and we are committed to supporting families wherever we can.” 

The unveiling was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together – turning heartbreak into hope, and generosity into lifesaving care. 

“This campaign showed the incredible power of community,” said Anthea Maher, AWH Foundation Manager. “Together, people turned love and generosity into something tangible that will support local families for years to come.”