In 1967, at just 17 years old, I made the journey from my hometown of Muswellbrook to the big city of Manly to begin my nursing career at Royal Far West (RFW). The entire process was so different from today—my interview was done over the phone with the matron, without the formal checks we now see, but from the moment I arrived, I felt right at home.
I moved into the nurses’ quarters, quickly made lifelong friends, and embraced the vibrant community around me. One of my fondest memories from that time was meeting my husband, Stephen, in Manly—55 years later, we’re still together.
At RFW, I worked in ‘The Ward’ caring for 10 children—a role I cherished deeply. These kids became like family, and the experience shaped my future in nursing. But outside of work, I was a little wild—loving the nightlife in Manly. We had a strict 10pm curfew, but many of us would sneak back in at dawn, hoping the night nurse wouldn’t notice (thankfully, my mum and dad never found out!).
My time at RFW led me to further nurse training at Manly District Hospital and St Vincent’s Private, setting the foundation for a career dedicated to helping others. Even after moving away, RFW has never stopped feeling like home. Over the years, I’ve stayed in their accommodation, attended reunions, and supported the organisation through donations.
Now living on the Mid North Coast at Boomerang Beach, I cherish my three children and seven grandchildren while holding onto the incredible memories of my time at RFW. Most recently, I was lucky enough to attend the Royal Far West 100-Year Celebration morning tea, where I reunited with past patients and staff to reminisce about our shared experiences.
Royal Far West will always be a part of me—it’s a place filled with warmth, connection, and a legacy of care that continues to make a difference.
