Yarrawonga mourns a beloved nurse

Skye described Margaret as “a dedicated nurse whose life was a testament to service and love”, adding: “Margaret spent her days caring for the community, giving her time, her skill and her compassion to those in need.”

Margaret was born on January 8, 1942, an only child growing up on a farm in Tongala.

She worked as second-in-charge in the operating suite at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital and as Divisional Director of Nursing at the Monash Medical Centre where she met her husband, Don.

Margaret came to Yarrawonga in September 1993 as acting Director of Nursing. Elaine Bellis, who delivered last Friday’s eulogy, was hospital secretary thus making her, along with CEO Trevor Gowland, her boss.

“The hospital board of directors soon realised Margaret’s skills and in April 1994, appointed her to the permanent position of Director of Nursing,” Elaine said.

“A whirlwind hit the hospital. Her arrival coincided with the introduction of Casemix and she immediately had to examine carefully what services were provided and how they were provided.”

At that time, it was not compulsory for hospitals to have accreditation, and Yarrawonga was a small efficient country hospital.

“Well, that was about to change,” Elaine said.

“In consultation with the hospital board, Margaret set about bringing the hospital up to accreditation standard.

“This entailed much work by everyone, checking standards, procedures, everything that was done at the hospital, many protocols for just about everything to be written - I know, I had to type them. “

Australian Council of Health Care standards set a very high standard, visiting and examining all aspects of the hospital and it was with great pride that after months of hard work, the top award possible was achieved for Yarrawonga.

“Yarrawonga Hospital was now a fully accredited hospital,” Elaine said.

“Margaret didn’t rest on her laurels; she kept up this high standard during her term and the hospital passed all subsequent examinations.”

Margaret was not just an administrative Director of Nursing, she was also very hands on as a midwife and could often be found in the midwifery ward.

She was instrumental in organising a fete for three successive years which raised $54,000.

“Margaret was very fond of telling us that at the age of 10 years, she was hospitalised for the treatment of Hydatid Cysts and informed the staff that one day she would be in charge of a hospital and so she was, with many advanced nursing certificates to her name of which she was deservedly proud,” Elaine said.

Upon retirement, Margaret continued as a member of the Health Assessment Team in assessing other hospitals for accreditation.

She was a foundation member of Business Professional Women in Yarrawonga, actively involved in the local arts council, a very committed worshipper at St. Andrew’s, a glider pilot, good cook, gardener and keen golfer.

At Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, she became a member of the ladies’ golf committee and as a board director.

“Margaret was very community minded, a neighbour and good friend of mine. She was a very special lady,” Elaine said.

Tributes to Margaret were paid by her step granddaughters Amy and Hanna Hauser who recalled many shared fond memories of their Nanny.

Jan Sterkenburg and Bruce Pigdon OAM delivered readings from the Bible, the latter subsequently referring to Margaret’s invaluable contributions as a board member when she was appointed as chair.

“In that important position, Marg served for four years with dignity and grace guiding the board through a period of consolidation and encouraging all board members to contribute in their own unique way,” Mr Pigdon said.

“She was a team leader in her approach and led by example.

“As the treasurer of what we now know as Yarrawonga Health, it was a privilege and honour to work alongside this very special woman, a brilliant nurse and a wonderful educator.

“She was most worthy of the Life Governorship which was bestowed on her at her retirement from the board.”