General News
8 December, 2025
Nursing centre meets challenges
DINGEE Bush Nursing Centre has recorded a surplus for a second year.
Board president Geoff Thomas told Sunday’s annual meeting that an operating profit of $55,260 was due to the work and diligent stewardship of centre co-managers Kylie Smith and Heather Gale.
Mr Thomas said they had negotiated challenges of “operating within a state budget which has seen severe cuts to all sectors of the health system”.
“The board is deeply appreciative of Kylie and Heather and their staff’s efforts to grow and develop the centre,” he said.
The centre received a regional health infrastructure grant that has seen 44 solar panels installed, inverters and a catch system to divert excess power into the hot water system.
Kylie and Heather reported that the coffee club had continued to flourish, attracting more participants and fostering social connection.
Ambulance Victoria’s Josh King had delivered training in practical scenarios covering cardiac, respiratory and trauma emergencies.
Four of the centre’s registered nurses had completed remote area nurse training while all staff had undertaken mandatory education with a focus on cultural awareness, wound care and comprehensive care.
Remote area nurses can administer emergency medications and critical care during high-risk situations including road accidents, cardiac events, farm-related injuries and other medical emergencies.
“Often, RANs are the first responders in our region, playing a crucial role in the initial phase of emergency care,” Kylie and Heather said.
““RANs are employed exclusively by bush nursing centres in Victoria, reflecting the unique and vital role they play in rural and remote health care.”
Mr Thomas said during the year donations had been received from Inglewood and Districts Community BanK, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee flood recovery and donations from the community.
Will Pattison was elected to the board during the year. His appointment came following the passing of Ruth Barkla.
Mr Thomas again used the annual meeting to praise centre staff saying they “are our greatest asset”. The centre looked forward to serving the community in its 104th year, he said.
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