The Kiama District Hospital open day and the subsequent demolition of the building was a time for the Kiama Community to reflect on the history of what was the iconic heart of the district for over a century.  

For one small group of former hospital staff it was also the realisation that nowhere was the history of Kiama District Hospital’s ‘Heydays’ (circa 1950s – 1980s) documented.  

Fast fading memories were put into action to fill this gap in Kiama’s History.

The small committee, consisting of Margaret Raison, Dot Hall, Pat Smylie, Margaret Childs, Marj Fretwell, Gerry McInerny and Lorraine Ettingshausen, embarked on a journey down memory lane and sought information and photos from far and wide to make this endeavour a reality.  

“The co-operation and assistance from former Kiama District Hospital staff, general community and associated services has resulted in a wealth of information regarding the hospital including nursing, medical, domestic and ancillary staff, Hospital Directors, Kiama Ambulance, Voluntary Home Nursing Service, Kiama Hospital Auxiliary, Service Clubs and the Community effort to avert the closure of the hospital in 1992,” Mrs Ettingshausen said.

“We hope this launch of a missing piece of the history of Kiama will be shared with those many people who were associated with the hospital and their families, former patients, especially Birrahlee Babies and hopefully some who are interested in learning more about the wonderful history of Kiama.”

Details: Kiama Library, Railway Parade, Kiama on Saturday, November 25, 2.30pm.

Please RSVP for catering purposes by phoning 4232 2511, emailing Margaret Raison on praison3@bigpond.com or Lorraine Ettingshausen on lorraineett@bigpond.com.

Copies of the books will be for sale for $20 on the day or contact the above.

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