On the frontline

Whether her uniform is army green or navy blue, Annette Robinson’s skills as a nurse have seen her excel in extreme situations both at home and overseas, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

By William Vallely - Photography by Kate Monotti

Annette Robinson’s desire to help people has taken her across the globe, from working in field hospitals in Iraq to delivering humanitarian aid in Tonga. The associate nurse unit manager at Bendigo Health’s Intensive Care Unit has successfully balanced her nursing and Australian Defence Force careers for almost 15 years. Annette believes the two dovetail, providing complementary skills that have helped her excel in both fields. Problem solving, adaptability and resilience are some of the traits she’s developed. In 2017, Annette made four trips to Iraq, working in field hospitals near Mosul. “We went to offer healthcare to people who hadn’t had access to it for a number of years. The field hospitals were set up ready to take in casualties,” she says. “I’ve seen a lot of things I wouldn’t wish upon a lot of people.” Earlier this year, on her most recent ADF deployment, Annette was delivering humanitarian aid following the Tongan volcano eruption. Working and living under extreme circumstances has prepared Annette for

the coronavirus pandemic, giving her an embedded resilience to call upon in difficult times. “You just keep going. It has been very tough the past few years and it’s still very tough, but you put a brave face on and keep going.” As a role model and support person for other ICU nurses and colleagues, Annette tries to focus on mental wellbeing and introducing some humour into the group. “You have to be diverse, you have to have compassion, empathy and a bit of wit about you to keep coming back,” she says. A Bendigo Health nurse since 2006, Annette worked in theatre and the wards before settling on a critical care career. “It’s a very unique skill set to be able to adapt to different situations and patients. It’s a career that can open many opportunities for travel.” Annette says Bendigo Health has supported her dual career throughout, which she appreciates, particularly with some shortnotice deployments. The health service has encouraged further study, with Annette gaining an ex-servicemen and women scholarship through the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre in 2021 to complete a Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management with Charles Darwin University. The certificate helped her get a Civil Military Co-operation posting with the Army Reserve. Given staff shortages across the healthcare system, Annette has recently taken a leave of absence from the ADF to focus on the home front. What does the future hold for someone who can’t stop helping others? “I won’t stop doing humanitarian work – I’m very passionate about that. I believe everyone is entitled to basic healthcare as a basic human right.”

Amelia, Emma and Isabel Frankie and Leigh

MESSY PLAY MAKES SMILES

Zoo Safari was the theme for the Bendigo Community Toy Library’s first Messy Play Day since COVID-19 first hit.

Kids had a blast exploring a range of messy sensory activities, from mud and dirt to jelly and coloured spaghetti. Proceeds from the popular event went to New South Wales and Queensland libraries impacted by flooding.

Miller and Ashley

Soren, Ewan and Avery Kim, Daisy, Oscar and Carol

Steph, Obi and Tom

TAS CAREEDY

“No course is treated as superior to any other and this encourages students to follow their desired pathway with great support from teachers.”

MAIA ROSSI

“I’ve discovered I can be myself— express myself openly—in a college community that supports diversity in every way.” JESSICA BROWN

“BSSC is a place that fosters individuality. We’re encouraged to be independent, but given every opportunity to achieve the marks we need.”

MUHAMMAD KHAN

“BSSC is such a good learning environment… the teachers are so helpful, constantly challenging me to do better.”

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

BSSC offers the greatest choice of subjects for senior secondary students in Victoria, a wide range of specialist programs and flexible learning options, all designed to create an environment that supports learners at every level. Like to find out more? Phone: 5443 1222 Email: admin@bssc.edu.au

Bendigo Senior Secondary College

Anna, William, Matthew, Jack, Henry, Louis and Grace Ben, Wade and Peter

Chris and Donna

Jackie, Heidi, Daniel, Colin and Harlow Connor, Mason, Hunter and Max

Sharon, Fay, Annie and Shavaun

RACING FOR GOLD

Big crowds gathered under blue skies at the Bendigo Jockey Club for the Golden Mile Raceday, the 10th year it has been hosted in Bendigo.

Many regulars were in the stands to watch the races and attempt to back a winner, and for the first time, Fashions on the Field was a feature of the event.

BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES

HOSPITALITY SOLUTIONS

CERTIFICATION #CN438