EGHS staff awarded for long service

East Grampians Health Service staff were awarded for long service at the 30th Annual General Meeting.

Staff were awarded for years of service ranging from 10 years up to a remarkable 50 years of service by former Director of Support Services Stuart Kerr, who retired this year.

Stuart commenced work at the Ararat and District Hospital on August 15 1975.

He began his career as a cleaner, then gained an apprenticeship as a chef, before going on to become the Manager of catering. He took over environmental services and maintenance and became Manager Support Services. In 2004 Stuart obtained a Diploma of Business (PIHHC, Dip Bus) and was appointed to the role of Director Support Services in 2007.

“It has been a tremendous journey working at East Grampians Health Service seeing many changes and challenges during this time,” Stuart said.

“It has been a privilege and honour to receive this 50 years’ service award.”

Also receiving awards for impressive terms of service included Megan Taylor for 40 years’ service and Julie Frawley, Yvonne Grigg and Blaire Kilpatrick for 35 years of service.

Megan commenced her training at what was the Ararat and District Hospital, in May 1985.

She has since upskilled her registration to include the medication and IV components as well as completing training in Dialysis.

Megan mainly works in the Perioperative Unit and relieves in the Dialysis Unit for annual leave and long service leave, but is now also working one permanent day a week in the Dialysis Unit

Megan takes pride in her work and tries to excel in all that she does as well as promoting the hospital.

Long service recipients include: 10 years – Elizabeth Atkinson, Yvette Brady, Amanda Cranstoun, Cassie Cunard, Andrew Dean, Sally-Ann Dunn, Carolyn Frankum, Camilla Govan, Ricki Gray, Paul Hewitt, Ashlee Kilpatrick-Blight, Jordyn Leggett, Christina Lloyd, Rommy Nicht, Tony Roberts, Lisa Shill, Kylie Simmonds, Clare Stacpoole, Emma Varley, Simone Webb, 15 Years – Suzanna Christie, Judi Debney, Kim Hartwich, Beth Hutchison, Tricia Madex, Sarah Power, Jan-Maree Ruddle, Claire Sladdin, Peter Thompson, 20 Years -Gillian Couwenberg, Leanne Culph, Maree Fraser, Olga Purdie, 25 years – Christine Briody, Caroline Hamilton, Fiona Miller, Danielle Wheeler, 30 years – Ann Grierson, Janine McElroy, 35 years – Julie Frawley, Yvonne Grigg, Blair Kilpatrick, 40 years – Megan Taylor, 50 years – Stuart Kerr.