General News
10 March, 2025
Susie marks 50 years in nursing
Susie Barber walked through the doors of Wimmera Base Hospital 50 years ago to begin her nursing training.
This week, she and 14 fellow students from 1975 reunited to celebrate their incredible milestone.
Eight graduates gathered in Dimboola, while two more joined via FaceTime.
They reflected on five decades in the health sector and the lifelong friendships they built.
One former classmate attended Dimboola High School with Mrs Barber, while another became her sister-in-law after the friends married brothers.
Grampians Health awarded Mrs Barber a 50-year service award, and chief executive Dale Fraser praised her impact on the community.
“There is no doubt continuity of care leads to stronger connections and better healthcare and, in this sense, Susie’s contribution is impossible to quantify,” Mr Fraser said.
“Five decades of service is a remarkable achievement and a generous gift to the broader Dimboola community.
“We collectively thank and congratulate Susie for her invaluable contribution.”
Mrs Barber first considered nursing after spending nearly a year in the hospital recovering from back surgery at the age of 15.
“I was out of action for virtually 12 months, and that experience made me confirm that I wanted to go nursing,” she said.
She started training two years later and never looked back.
“I started in Dimboola in 1979, after we finished training, and always planned to go back to Horsham,” she said.
“But I met and married a local farmer and also, and I fell in love with Dimboola.”
Mrs Barber began her career in aged care before transitioning to district nursing.
“District nursing was very rewarding; I got to know the community, and people welcomed me into their home with endless cups of tea,” she said.
The rural general practice soon became her passion. Since 1978, she has served as the face of Dimboola medical clinic.
“General practice is about far more than a medical service,” Mrs Barber said.
“You provide so much to the community, not just in the clinic but down the street at the supermarket; you are always that trusted face.”
She credits her long career to a simple motivation.
“It’s a desire to improve someone’s life; that is the basis of it,” Mrs Barber said.
“Knowing you’ve helped them achieve a better lifestyle or a better health outcome. That’s very rewarding.”
Although she remains on extended service leave, she has already worked her last day as a nurse and now embraces retirement.
“I miss the contact with colleagues and the community, although people still stop and talk to me about work down the street,” Mrs Barber said.
“It’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with a fantastic team in Dimboola.
“I keep busy, with family close by, and enjoy my golf and bowls and gardening.”
Her daughter, Breanna Eldridge, continues her legacy as Dimboola Hospital’s nurse unit manager.
“I’m very proud, she’s an excellent nurse,” Mrs Barber said.
The bond between the 15 nursing students remains strong.
“We got together after 25 years, then again for this 50-year event,” Mrs Barber said.
“It certainly won’t be another 25 years before we meet up again.”