Bourke’s dedicated staff to be celebrated at Easter reunion

The Bourke District Hospital Reunion, the first in 20 years, will be held in conjunction with the Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival, providing an opportunity for staff to reconnect and reflect while also joining the broader community celebrations.

Western NSW Local Health District Manager of Aboriginal Health Partnerships and Engagement, Pat Canty, emphasised the significance of the gathering and encouraged all past and present staff to make the trip to attend.

“Bourke District Hospital, as many of our staff and community members still know it, has always been more than a healthcare facility. It’s an important pillar of our community, keeping our people safe and providing opportunities, too,” Ms Canty said.

“Plenty has changed over the years but one thing which has always stayed the same is our staff’s commitment to the local people and community, so this is a great chance for us to celebrate their dedication and contributions.

“Holding the reunion in conjunction with the Easter Festival is perfect because it’s a really good opportunity to come home, renew friendships, reconnect with former colleagues and join in the whole weekend.”

Ms Canty said a key focus of the reunion is to celebrate the Aboriginal staff who have helped shape the delivery of healthcare in Bourke for generations, but also to acknowledge the cultural influence they have had across the health system.

“Whether it’s the trainee nurses who have gone on to hold executive roles across NSW Health, or those who provide frontline care, or work in administration and support service roles, the impact our Aboriginal workforce has is profound,” Ms Canty said.

“We are so proud that our Aboriginal workforce is such a strong part of this hospital’s legacy. Recognising and celebrating that is so important, as is ensuring our young and often vulnerable people are able to see these role models in action.

“This reunion is also an opportunity to reflect on our ongoing journey towards reconciliation. It’s important that we continue to show our community that we are working hard to create meaningful change.

“There is a long and sometimes troubled history between health services and Aboriginal people. The NSW Health Apology in 2022 and the installation of that apology in every health service, including Bourke, recognised that.

“Our reunion is about celebrating our journey, acknowledging the challenges we have faced, reflecting on the progress we’ve made, and recognising the strength and resilience of all those people who have cared for our community.”

Along with a range of activities like meet and greets and tours of old and new hospital facilities, Ms Canty said the reunion will feature several special activities to honour the legacy of staff members who have passed away.

“Our Remembrance Ceremony on Easter Sunday will include a rose and tree planting to honour staff members who have died, some quite recently. Families of those staff members also have the opportunity to arrange a plaque for our Remembrance Wall,” Ms Canty said.

“We will also have a special moment of recognition for these staff members at our reunion dinner on Saturday evening. That afternoon, we will also have a dedicated hospital float in the Easter Festival Street Parade, which will be great fun.”