Born from community fundraising and sustained by generations of local volunteers, Gordonvale Hospital has celebrated 100 years of service , recognising a legacy of support that continues today through the Gordonvale Friends of the Foundation.
The hospital was established in 1926 as the Gordonvale Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital after local residents rallied to raise funds for a facility that would care for the district’s sick and injured while particularly honouring two brothers lost in World War I. Today, that same community spirit lives on through the Friends of the Foundation, who continue to raise funds to support patients, families and staff.
The earliest fundraising efforts were led by community members including Edith O’Neill, who helped drive support for a memorial hospital and even produced the Wilgor Cookery Book to raise funds for the cause.
Mrs O’Neill’s two sons – Acting Sergeant William O’Neill and Second Lieutenant James Gordon O’Neill were killed in WW1.
Gordonvale resident Barry O’Neill is Edith’s great-nephew, was born in Gordonvale Hospital and said he feels honoured the family still has close connections to the community and hospital.
Mrs O’Neill helped drive support for the hospital and even produced the Wilgor Cookery Book to raise funds for the cause.
That same spirit of local support has continued through the decades, with groups including the Sewing Guild, Women’s Auxiliary, Gordonvale Action Group, Gordonvale Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and, more recently, the Gordonvale Friends of the Foundation helping to raise funds and improve facilities.
The modern auxiliary was re-formed in 1990 after then Director of Nursing Robyn Greenfield called on staff and community members to help fund equipment needed by the hospital. The group later came under the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation banner in 2002 and became known as the Friends of the Foundation.
Over the years, the Gordonvale Friends of the Foundation has contributed an estimated more than $500,000 worth of equipment, including pressure-relieving beds and mattresses, syringe drivers, lounge suites, chair beds, recliner chairs and shower chairs.
Long-time volunteer Beryl Wilson, who worked as an enrolled nurse at Gordonvale Hospital and later became secretary of the Friends of the Foundation, said the group’s fundraising had always been driven by a love of the hospital and the community it served.
“What started as a homemade lolly stall grew into years of fundraising events, from $1000 nights at the hospital grounds to fashion parades and cent sales,” she said.
“These events brought people together and raised much-needed funds for equipment that made a real difference for patients, families and staff.”
Current Gordonvale Friends of the Foundation president Valda Hoolihan said the group remained proud of its role in supporting the hospital and continuing the tradition of local fundraising.
“The Friends of the Foundation have always been about companionship, community spirit and working together for a common goal – helping the hospital,” Mrs Hoolihan said.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the Gordonvale volunteers were part of a remarkable legacy of community care.
“The history of Gordonvale Hospital is also the history of a community that has always stepped forward when help was needed,” Ms Hogan said.
“From the women who raised funds to help build the original hospital, to today’s Friends of the Foundation volunteers, Gordonvale has shown what can be achieved when people come together for local health care.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Gordonvale Friends of the Foundation for their many years of fundraising, service and dedication. Their contribution has helped provide practical equipment and comfort for patients, families and staff, and their impact will be felt for many years to come.”
Today, Gordonvale Hospital continues its proud legacy as part of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, providing inpatient palliative care, community services and sub-acute medical care.
The centenary celebration honoured not only the hospital’s history, but the volunteers, staff, families and supporters who have helped shape it over the past century.
Photos: Gordonvale Friends of the Foundation volunteers and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan pose with the pictures of Acting Sergeant William O’Neill and Second Lieutenant James Gordon O’Neill.
Family members Barry O’Neill, Brenda O’Neill and Annette Rolston with pictures of Acting Sergeant William O’Neill and Second Lieutenant James Gordon O’Neill.
