The Bugle 18 November 2017
A fortnightly celebration of people and places on the Upper South Coast of NSW
Serving the communities of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs, Minnamurra and Gerroa and now at www.thebugleonline.com
Book remembers Hospital as heart of the community Spurred on by the affection shown at the Open Day to farewell Kiama Hospital, a group of people involved with the Hospital during its heyday have put together a book to preserve the story for future generations. Margaret Raison, Dot Hall, Pat Smylie, Margaret Childs, Marj Fretwell, Gerry McInerny and Lorraine Ettingshausen formed a committee, and in a remarkably short period have compiled a social history. Co-operation and assistance from former Kiama District Hospital staff, the general community and associated services has resulted in a wealth of information regarding the hospital including nursing, medical, domestic and ancillary staff, Hospital directors, the Kiama Ambulance, Voluntary Home Nursing Service, Kiama Hospital Auxiliary, service clubs and the community effort to avert its closure in 1992. Lorraine Ettingshausen worked as a registered nurse at the Hospital from 1965-83. “Margaret Raisen rang me up the day after they demolished the hospital and said we have to write something down or people will forget about it,” she says. “We are presenting it as our recollections, not a great historical record, so that in 20 years time people will
know how important it was.” Mrs Ettingshausen has contributed some articles on her time in the operating theatres, but says the real heart of the Hospital was the maternity ward, Birralee, built in 1951. “Some of the nurses who worked in Birralee delivered two generations of babies. “Being a Birralee baby was quite an an event. In collecting all of the stories for the book, it is one thing that has really resonated with people in the community. It is like they are in a club. Some call it The Birthplace of Champions.” The nickname possibly springs from rugby league legend Mick Cronin being the first baby born there. While Mrs Ettingshausen trained at Bulli, she says Kiama had a great reputation for training enrolled nurses, which attracted women from further afield who mostly have never left. “I loved working there,” she says. “It was a real family affair, with lots of people working there for decades.” Council helped with printing costs for the 500 copies. Details: Book launch Saturday 25 November, Kiama Library, 2.30pm. RSVP for catering 4232 2511. Books will then be available for $20 from the Visitors Centre and Kiama Medical Centre.
Inside this issue Driverless bus idea gathers momentum p3
Collins St seniors’ living development deferred p3 Fresh Christmas tree fundraiser p3
Sister Sybil Meldrum accepting a donation from Kiama Brownies circa 1972
New head of Planning Linda Davis will start work as Council’s new Director Environmental Services, which encompasses planning and other services, in early December. The position became vacant when Phil Costello took up a similar role at Shoalhaven Council. General Manager Michael Forsyth says securing Ms Davis for the role is a major coup for Council. “Linda has more than 30 years’ experience as a planner at both state and local government levels, with an excellent record leading significant planning projects.
“I’m excited to have someone of her calibre join our team, given her ability to deliver great outcomes to complex planning challenges at town and regional scale.” Mr Forsyth says Ms Davis is well-known for her work as lead planner for the NSW Government. “Linda has tackled major on-ground projects such as the urban planning for land release at West Dapto and Albion Park. “She also had lead responsibility for the successful development and delivery of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan.
“This high quality mix of urban and regional planning experience means Linda will be able to adjust very quickly her new role.” The Acting Director, Chris Fuller, is retiring in December after 18 years with Council. “Chris has been highlyprofessional and hardworking during his tenure at Council, with a legendary knowledge of the Building Code of Australia and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act,” says Mr Forsyth. “I wish Chris and his wife a long and happy retirement.”
Ken’s final tribute to Gerringong’s fallen p5