LEONGATHA Memorial Hospital’s new Memorial Walk opened on Monday afternoon with a tremendous community turnout for the occasion, the Walk honouring those who served abroad and those who carried the work of care at home.“It bridges remembrance and healthcare, sacrifice and service, and tells a story that is uniquely South Gippsland’s,” Louise Sparkes, CEO of Gippsland 
Southern Health Service, said.

As well as the photos and information honouring those who served, there is a separate display outlining the history of the hospital.

Louise introduced Geoff Dean of the Leongatha Community Foundation whose idea to return the word ‘Memorial’ to the hospital’s name sparked the Memorial Walk project, the hospital’s Kate Ginnivan acting as the project officer.

Leongatha RSL president Bill Verboon also spoke, expressing heartfelt thanks to Leongatha Hospital for its support in making the new tribute possible. 

Leongatha Historical Society secretary Lyn Skillern remarked on the local community’s impressive commitment to honouring the service of veterans over the years.

That commitment included the building of Leongatha Memorial Hall to commemorate those who served in WWI, while the old Leongatha hospital was a tribute to those involved in WWII.

Louise touched on a meeting that took place 77 years ago in the Memorial Hall about building a hospital, but also about “honouring service by serving others, transforming grief into generosity, and remembrance into something living”.

The return of Memorial to the hospital’s name has come just in time for the start of a new chapter in its history, as it joins hospitals in the Bayside Health group, Louise assuring attendees the spirit of care passed on from previous generations will continue.

“To everyone who contributed to the Memorial Walk, the RSL, the Historical Society, the Community Foundation, and our own staff who gave their time and stories, thank you; you’ve created something that will speak to generations to come,” Louise said before leading attendees to explore the Memorial Walk and the hospital display.