EGHS staff awarded for long service

East Grampians Health Service celebrated the long service of many staff at the annual general meeting, including an incredible 45 years’ service by Director Support Services Stuart Kerr.

Mr Kerr commenced work at the Ararat and District Hospital in August 1975 and over the past 45 years he has had various roles in the health service.

He started as a cleaner and during this time an opportunity arose and he obtained an apprenticeship in cooking and from this he became Manager of the catering services.

In 1995, Mr Kerr was appointed Manager Support Services which included environmental/cleaning and catering.  He completed his Diploma of Business (Front Line Management) in 2004 and held this position until 2007 when he became the Director Support Services.  He is responsible for catering (internal/external), food services, environmental services, maintenance (grounds and gardens), preventative maintenance, fire, safety and security, contractors, projects and also has been involved in consultancy work at other health services.

EGHS interim chief executive Peter Armstrong congratulated Mr Kerr on his outstanding service over the past 45 years.

“Over the last nine years Stuart’s role has been very focused on project work at the health service, and he has been very involved in this process which includes forwarding of submissions, tender and evaluation process and liaising with architects, building surveyors and contractors,” he said.

“Stuart takes pride in his work and has seen many changes at the health service during this time. He has embraced these changes, which reflects his professionalism, loyalty, dedication and work ethics to the health service.”

Pamela Roche, Christine Perry and Margaret Brown were also awarded for long term service, each having worked at EGHS for 35 years.

Thirty year service awards went to Tracey Walter, Gaylene Veale and Joanne Collins, while 25 year awards were presented to Leesa McInnes, Sarah Carter, Rachel Vallance and Valma Broderick.

Staff who received 20 year service awards included Kerry Reynolds, Julie Tierney, Julieanne Rix and Katherine Pitcher, while Carmel Beer, Suzanne Burns and Kerry Hogg received 15 year service awards.

Ten year awards were presented to Lisa Nolen, Claire Homburg, Patricia Rowe, Blaire Spalding, Elizabeth Lawrence, Shae Holloway, Nicole Berg, Annette Manning, Mary Schwencke, Julie Lang and Jane Stoneman.