Bairnsdale Regional Health Service

17/08/2026

A great visit to Dargo Bush Nursing Centre for our Operational Director Care@Home Deb Eveleigh and our Aboriginal Health Unit Manager Lois Whelan today, sharing more about our regional Reconciliation Action Plan and continuing important conversations about cultural safety, local history and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Thanks to the Dargo Bush Nursing Centre Inc. team for the warm welcome!

Today we were delighted to welcome Deb, Operational Director Care@Home and Lois, Aboriginal Health Unit Manager from BRHS to our BNC😊
The reason for the visit was to learn more about the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that has been collaboratively developed by Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Omeo District Health, Orbost Regional Health, Dargo BNC, Ensay Bush Nursing Centre, Gelantipy District Bush Nursing Centre Inc, Swifts Creek BNC and Buchan BNC.
The RAP aims to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in and visiting the Gippsland region.
We also learnt about the Bataluk Cultural Trail and the five clans of the Gunaikurnai. Both Lois and Deb said they are going to try and source information about Dargo and its history with the Aboriginal people - we would love to be able to present this at our "Spring Fling Christmas Lunch" coming up!
Learning about cultural safety in our health care system is really important as we try to close the gap to end disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

13/08/2026

Today, our incredible oncology patients had a special surprise for the people who support them through some of the toughest days of their lives.

In the lead-up to Cancer Nurses Day today, patients from our oncology unit were invited to write messages of thanks and encouragement on cardboard hearts for our cancer nursing team.

The result is a beautiful display filled with messages that say far more than we ever could:

“Thank you for your kindness.”
“What would we do without you?”
“You bring smiles and sparkles to our treatment days when some days are hard. Your support lightens the load just that little bit.”
“Without you, I probably wouldn’t be here. Thank you.”

Around 25 cancer nurses are part of the team supporting patients through treatment at BRHS, alongside our wonderful administration staff, volunteers, clinical and medical staff, cleaners, food services, facilities staff and many others.

Oncology Day Unit A/Nurse Unit Manager Jo Counihan said the specialised skills, strength, kindness and commitment of cancer nurses make a profound difference to patients every day.

That care is especially important here in East Gippsland, where being able to access treatment closer to home can mean less travel, more time with family and support networks, and care from a team who gets to know you along the way.

Today is a chance to celebrate the skill and expertise of our cancer nurses, but also the compassion, reassurance and connection they bring to people during an incredibly difficult time.

To our cancer nurses, and everyone who supports cancer care at BRHS, thank you for the difference you make every day.

12/08/2026

When Walter “Ted” Quick needed cancer treatment, the team at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service was there for him.

Now, Ted is giving back in a truly extraordinary way. 💙

The longtime East Gippsland local has donated $100,000 to BRHS cancer services as a heartfelt thank you to the people who cared for him, and as a gift that will help others across our region receive cancer care closer to home.

Ted spent many years living and working in Swifts Creek before moving to Paynesville. Following the sale of his Swifts Creek home, he chose to support the service that had played such an important part in his own cancer journey.

His generosity comes at a time when the need for strong local cancer care is significant. Avoidable cancer deaths in East Gippsland are higher than the Victorian rate — 33.8 per 100,000 people compared with 27.5 across Victoria.

And with Cancer Nurses Day tomorrow, Ted’s story is a beautiful reminder of the difference compassionate care can make, and of the lasting connections our cancer nurses build with the people and families they support.

Thank you, Ted, for giving back to the team that cared for you, and for helping make that same care possible for others.

You are a truly extraordinary person, Ted, and it is our privilege to care for you. 💙

To support care at BRHS, visit brhs.com.au/donatenow

Pictured L:R: BRHS CEO Peter Abraham, Oncology A/Nurse Unit Manager Jo Counihan, Ted, and Ted's sister Bonnie Laity.

10/08/2026

Tonight is Census night.

The 2026 Census takes place tonight, Tuesday 11 August.
The Census helps provide a snapshot of our community and informs future planning for services including health care, aged care, housing, transport and community support.

At BRHS, arrangements are in place to make sure patients staying on our wards and residents at Maddocks Gardens are counted.

Our wonderful BRHS volunteers will be helping patients and residents with Census arrangements where needed, alongside our teams.

If you are visiting our Emergency Department or working at BRHS tonight but will return home afterwards, you should generally be included on the Census form for your usual household.

If you are a patient or resident and have questions, please speak with a member of our team.

Thank you for helping make sure everyone in our community is counted.

Visit info.census.abs.gov.au for more.

10/08/2026

We're Hiring | Looking for an Occupational Therapy role that fits your life?

We're offering a flexible part-time Grade 2 Occupational Therapist position in our Acute Inpatient Team. With job share and reduced hours options available, you can continue growing your career while maintaining work-life balance.

You'll help patients maximise their independence, contribute to safe discharge planning, and play a key role in delivering high-quality patient-centred care. You'll also have opportunities to develop your leadership experience through supervision, mentoring and quality improvement initiatives.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and discover how flexibility and professional growth can go hand in hand.

👉 Learn more via www.brhs.com.au/careers/current-vacancies

10/08/2026

Last Friday, members of our Workforce team got in a little early for Farm Angels Flanno for a Farmer day, organising a BBQ lunch and inviting colleagues who wanted to join them in pulling on a flanno and supporting farming families doing it tough.

The official Flanno for a Farmer Day is this Friday, 14 August, with annual campaign encouraging Australians to wear a flanno, raise funds and show farmers they’re not alone, with funds helping provide practical, financial and wellbeing support to farming families experiencing hardship.

It’s a cause that hits close to home for many of our team members, who have family, friends and people in their communities working on farms and experiencing the pressures facing the agricultural sector.

A big thank you to our Workforce team for organising the day, and to everyone who joined in and donated. ❤️

Wear a flanno. Back a farmer.

08/08/2026

Calling all professional question-askers, problem-solvers and people who colour-code their to-do lists for fun.

BRHS is on the hunt for a Risk and Compliance Coordinator.

If you're curious, solutions-focused and love improving how things are done, this could be your next career move. The best part? You don't need a traditional risk background. We'll support you to grow your skills and make a real impact across the organisation.

Turns out being the person who says "Have we thought about this?" is actually a valuable career path.

👉Apply today at www.brhs.com.au/careers/current-vacancies

07/08/2026

We're hiring!

An exciting opportunity is available for a Disability Liaison Officer.

As a Grade 3 Allied Health Professional, you'll help improve healthcare access, support NDIS journeys, advocate for people with disability, and drive inclusive care across Gippsland. This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to create lasting change.

Play a key role in improving healthcare access, supporting NDIS pathways, and fostering more inclusive care across Gippsland.

If you're a passionate Allied Health Professional ready to make a meaningful impact across our community, we'd love to hear from you.

👉 Learn more via www.brhs.com.au/careers/current-vacancies

07/08/2026

Today we celebrated the wonderful team at Maddocks Gardens for Aged Care Employee Day 💙
There was cake, gifts of appreciation and a few words from our CEO to thank our dedicated aged care workers for the compassion, kindness and care they bring each day.
Maddocks Gardens is more than a place to live for our residents, it is a community built on connection, relationships and the people who make every day special.
Thank you to our incredible team for all that you do. 🌷

07/08/2026

Celebrating our aged care teams this Aged Care Employee Day 💙

Today we celebrate the wonderful people who make Maddocks Gardens such a special place to live and work, along with the many teams and volunteers across Bairnsdale Regional Health Service who care for and support older people in our community.

From those providing care at Maddocks Gardens to the teams helping people remain safe, independent and connected in their own homes, every role makes a difference.

Aged Care Employee Day is an opportunity to recognise the kindness, dedication and compassion our aged care and community care teams bring to their work every day.

Please join us in thanking them for everything they do.