The ‘unofficial’ reunion took place at the Alofa Sands Cafe, situated at the Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club, transforming an ordinary lunch into a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

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The atmosphere at the Alofa Sands Cafe was filled with laughter, joy, and the unmistakable camaraderie that comes from shared experiences.

The group of nurses, bonded by their time working at Macksville Hospital, exchanged stories, catching up on the years that had passed since they last crossed paths.

For some, the lunch was an emotional experience, rekindling friendships and reminiscing about the days spent caring for patients at both the old and new Macksville Hospital.

Janelle Ussher, who still nurses at Macksville Hospital and was one of the co-organisers of the lunch told News Of The Area, “What started as a casual lunch plan turned into something truly special and it’s incredible to see so many familiar faces and to reconnect with colleagues who were such an integral part of our lives.”

Another former nurse and co-organiser of the ‘get together’, Judy Brooks added, “We nurses feel that we become so much a part of the community as patients in a hospital are not just a bed number, they are a name and, in a small community, we often see those that we have nursed on the street and are greeted warmly by them – it’s just wonderful.”

The spontaneous nature of the gathering left many attendees hopeful for more frequent reunions in the future.

Plans were floated for additional get-togethers, ensuring that the connections rekindled at Alofa Sands Cafe would continue to flourish.

The unexpected reunion of these former Macksville Hospital nurses served as a heartwarming reminder of the lasting impact of shared experiences and the enduring friendships that often emerge from the challenging and rewarding field of healthcare.

By Mick BIRTLES