GREAT Lakes Nursing Home staff celebrated 25 years of serving the local community at a recent reunion held at Bulahdelah Bowling Club.

More than 80 past and present staff members and their partners, including some who had travelled from as far away as Queensland, came together for a night of celebration, reminiscing and laughter.

Staff took a trip down memory lane as they viewed photographs from the past, including many of the residents whom they had cared for over the years.

Live music and dancing during the evening ensured the party continued into the early hours.

Director of Nursing Kath Freihaut said the reunion was organised to simply mark the occasion of the facility being 25 years old.

“It allowed everyone to get back together and discuss stories, and talk about what they are doing in their lives,” she said.

“I think we have all changed in some way in that time, so the highlight of the night was simply just catching up.”

The reunion was coordinated by Mrs Freihaut and Mrs Jane Carryer, who began organising the event and tracking down their colleagues many months ago.

“The nursing home has employed hundreds of staff over its 25-year history,” Mrs Freihaut said.

“We currently have 58 staff members, and six of those have been here since we first opened.”

Speeches during the formal part of the evening highlighted the dedication of the staff and the enjoyable and supportive working environment.

The celebrations continued with a reunion cake cut by Mrs Freihaut and former Director of Nursing Debe Brassey.

As the evening progressed, the reunion showed that the spirit of togetherness amongst the staff, both young and old and past and present, was still going strong.

The Great Lakes Aged Care facility opened in Bulahdelah on 9 December, 1991.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN