Vickie Morrison, a former nurse from Macksville Hospital, said these ‘get togethers’ have become an important way for past colleagues to reconnect and reflect on their time in the profession.

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“There is something unique about nursing,” Vickie told NOTA.

“We go through a bit of trauma, we see people at their best and worst, and there are always those events that stick in your mind so it’s good to come together and remember those times.”

The group first reunited last year and is eager to make these gatherings a regular event.

Thanks to a Facebook group, staying in touch has become easier in recent years, replacing a White Pages search.

“There are still about 60 of us in contact,” Vickie said.

“We’d love to organise a more formal reunion dinner in the future.”

All of the attendees worked at the old Macksville Hospital, which presented unique challenges due to limited resources, a situation familiar to many regional healthcare workers.

“We often felt forgotten, but we made do with what we had and supported each other through the tough times,” Vickie added.

Some of the former nurses are still working in the profession, though not all remain in the public health system.

Regardless of where their careers have taken them, it is clear they share a bond forged through years of service and dedication to their community.

By Mick BIRTLES