Enid joined the District in 2002 in the Emergency Department (ED) of Blue Mountains Hospital. She would continue serving in various roles including Clinical Nurse Educator at Nepean Hospital ED and Nurse Educator for the rollout of the DETECT program, an initiative aimed at building clinicians’ confidence in identifying deteriorating patients.
She gained recognition for her calm, methodical approach in high-pressure environments and together with her experience in disaster readiness, there was a natural progression into disaster management. In 2013, Enid was appointed as NBMLHD Disaster Manager, a role that would see her at the forefront of emergency operations in the region.
Enid’s work in disaster management would go on to define her career. Notable highlights include being part of the NSW Health Incident Management Team for the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami response for which she received a Premier's Citation, involvement in the medical teams for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and World Youth Day in 2008 and providing support for CareFlight and its preparation for international medical missions.
She played a key role in developing guidelines and procedures following the 2013 bushfires. The project, spearheaded by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) in collaboration with local general practitioners (GPs) and NBMLHD helped ensure that the most vulnerable populations received the care they needed. This work was later recognised in the 2019 bushfire inquiry, with recommendations for other Local Health Districts to adopt the joint approach.
One of Enid’s proudest achievements was the relationships she built throughout her career. From collaborating with the Primary Health Network and aged care facilities to working closely with local police and councils during emergencies, Enid fostered a network of support and trust that extended far beyond the healthcare system.
Her passion for disaster management was clear and she had found the role that allowed her to do something truly impactful. “It’s a great multi-agency community to work with and an opportunity to really support business continuity and make a difference when it matters most,” she explained.
Enid’s commitment to community health was particularly evident during the pandemic. “The support from the wider community was incredible,” she says, reflecting on the unity displayed in the fight against COVID-19. “It was humbling to see how everyone came together to make sure health workers and patients had what they needed.”
As she enters retirement, Enid is shifting her focus to personal pursuits. After sadly losing her husband, Adam, last year, Enid is looking forward to spending more time with her family, particularly her grandchildren. An enthusiastic ukulele player, she regularly performs at Glenbrook Markets and for local charities and events with her band, The Little Black Ducks.
Enid has also joined the State Emergency Service as a volunteer and remains involved in the community. She plans to continue renovations on her property, a project she and Adam had envisioned for their future.
As she reflects on her career, Enid’s words speak to the heart of her commitment to the community, “You chip away at these things, and you just don’t know if they do any good. But when you see something you’ve worked hard to establish truly helping people in a crisis, that’s incredibly special,” she says.
