Former HCF employees Jennie Frazer and Jan Simmonds have been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support following the closure of HCF Bowral.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Frazer said that many in the community had reached out to HCF to rally for the branch and show their support for the staff.
“Head office was inundated with complaints about the branch closing, but in saying that, a lot of them were also giving us a big wrap,” Ms Frazer said.
“We wanted to say thank you to everyone for their appreciation and support throughout such a stressful time,” she said.
HCF Bowral branch closed on November 9 after decades operating in the community. The closing of the branch also marked the exit of the last private healthcare fund with a shopfront in the Southern Highlands.
Ms Simmonds said for many customers, it was more than submitting claims and paying fees; it was about finding answers to questions at difficult moments and institutional knowledge about where to go and who to talk to.
“There were many people who had lost their partners or their partner was in hospital and they had no idea what to do. We would help to ease their burden,” Ms Simmonds said.
Read more:
“There is a big issue of mental health for our young people in the community. I would make sure to suggest the right hospitals, make sure parents knew what cover was available to them,” she said.
Both women said the last few weeks had been a “stressful and upsetting time” but the appreciation they received from the community was what got them through.
“It was difficult losing a job right before Christmas. Having to go out and look for another position and we were still so busy,” Ms Frazer said.
Many HCF customers came to the branch, specifically to thank the women for the work they had done for the community, bringing cards and gifts.
“I want to thank the community for their kindness, support and genorosity. There were lots of flowers and gifts, and lots of tears in the end,” Ms Simmonds said.
Sign up for breaking news and a weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox…