As past president and long time stalwart of the Glen Innes Hospital Auxiliary, Jan Sharman had the honour of being the first to sign the petition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And it would be hard to find someone more passionate about local health services than Jan.
She had pause to reflect on how she first came to Glen Innes hospital to do her training as a young nurse in 1952.
The self described “spoiled girl” from Lismore got the shock of her life with the strict rules and hard work she discovered.
“I came to Glen Innes and there were no sports fields, no baths – I begged my mum and dad to take me back to Lismore!”
The girls in the nurses home had to abide by a strict curfew, though they were allowed to stay out till 10pm on special occasions, if there was a dance or a ball.
“Matron Isaacs was very strict. She would come along to the ball and sit there and keep an eye on us all.”
Jan was married in 1958 but later came back and returned to her career as a nurse.
She remembered fondly the contribution of past patron Nancy Berridge who was a great influence on her.
While she had Adam Marshall’s ear on Monday, she made sure to tell him about other services that needed attention in Glen Innes, including the ambulance and radiography.
“We all work so hard for what we want for our town, and we want the best,” she said.
Mr Marshall said it was only fitting that Jan’s name be at the top of the petition to attract $20 m in funds to the hospital.
Jan has now passed the baton to new auxiliary president Jan Holder.