History repeats: Former Kyabram nurses Margaret Chalker and Marlene Kerwin were key figures in the establishment of a lone pine on the grounds of Kyabram District Health Service. Last week they were involved in the Kyabram Legacy service led by organisational chair Don Cook.
Twenty-one years ago: Marlene Kerwin and Margaret Chalker in 2001 with Kyabram Legacy president Roy Watt and “Lone Pine Bob” Drysdale, at the planting ceremony of the tree.
Ground breakers is a term that fits neatly with long-time Kyabram nurses Marg Chalker and Marlene Kerwin with their community service.
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It was 21 years ago that the two women, who served 40 and 32 years respectively as senior KDHS nursing personnel were given the responsibility of planting of the historic lone pine tree in the grounds of the hospital.
“We were the most senior nurses in 2001 and were asked to be involved in the ceremonial planting,” Marg said.
In a commemorative ceremony last week Mrs Chalker and Mrs Kerwin were given the honour of placing a single wreath at the base of the foundation stone (under the lone pine tree), which serves as a reminder of the many Australian servicemen and women who served in war and did not return.
They were special guests of Kyabram Legacy chair Don Cook along with Alwyn Drysdale, widow of the man who initiated the lone pine movement in Kyabram Bob Drysdale.
It was “Lone Pine Bob” who presided over the tree planting back in 2001.
The Drysdale links to KDHS have included in the past arranging for the Victorian police band to play at the hospital fete for many years to granddaughter Lisa Drysdale who is a KDHS department manager.
Legacy is a unique Australian organisation that looks after the widows and children of those who served in all conflicts.
The Kyabram Legacy group was formed in 1961 and only last year celebrated its 60th anniversary — having started under the watch of Geoff Youlden, the inaugural president and local committee members that included Rocky McHale and Ern Purdey.
In the community Mrs Chalker maintains a strong affinity with the health organisation as president of the KDHS ladies auxiliary, along with Mrs Kerwin, who is also a member of the auxiliary.
However, Mrs Kerwin was also a past member of the Kyabram Legacy group, while husband Russell Kerwin was a past chair of Legacy.
Mr Cook acknowledged that Mrs Kerwin played an integral role when the widows Laurel Club activities were expanded and their on-going success to this day.
The ceremony was well attended by members of the Sheridan Nursing Home, directors and senior staff of Kyabram District Health Service and representatives from a variety of community organisations.
KDHS’ Simone Guinan completed a welcome to country at the ceremony, and Michelle Sing, a director at Kyabram District Health Service the dedication.
Kyabram P-12 College choir members performed well singing the national anthem and God Save the King.
In closing Mr Cook indicated the “legacy of care” would continue in Kyabram for as long as required.
Wreath laying: Marlene Kirwin and Margaret Chalker planted the lone pine in 2001 and 21 years later were invited to lay a wreath at the commemoration stone at the front of the hospital where they worked for the best part of four decades
Giving thanks: Kyabram District Health Service board director and Community and Cultural Governance chair Michelle Sing at the lone pine ceremony last week.
Standing on ceremony: Kyabram Legacy Chair Don Cook has overseen ceremonies at Kyabram P-12 College and St Augustine's College this year, along with last week’s Kyabram District Health Service event.
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