Janet McKenzie (Penrith) is celebrating her 50th year of nursing, which began at the Fairfield District Hospital in 1975.

Janet currently lives and works in the Penrith area where she is employed with Community Health in Child and Family Health Nursing.

She started nursing in February, 1975 at the Fairfield District Hospital, now the site of Karitane in Carramar.

“Nursing has changed quite a lot in 50 years – training was hospital-based and followed a military-style model,” said Janet. “We addressed staff by their titles, stood when senior staff entered the room, and bed-making was treated as a lesson in precision and perfection.

“We first-year nurses were required to live in the staff quarters, which created a strong sense of routine. We felt a thrill of advancement when we climbed the ladder to second year!

“After the completion of my training, I worked for 12 months as a Registered Nurse (RN) and all RN’s were addressed as ‘Sister’. I went on to study Midwifery and, from 1979 – 2002, I worked in that field – a time filled with incredibly meaningful work and lifelong learning.

“During the 90’s, I found that more and more Registered Nurses were university trained. Wanting to stay current and to expand my knowledge, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Health / Primary Healthcare whilst working part-time as a Midwife.

“In 2002, I made the move into Community Child and Family Health Nursing. This opportunity allowed me to move away from the medical model, focusing on Primary Healthcare and providing support to new parents.

“Today, I continue my work in Community Child and Family Health Nursing, and it has been a privilege to adapt and grow with the profession over the past 50 years. Whilst so much has changed, the heart of Nursing – compassion, connection and care – remains the same.”

Janet’s colleagues describe her as grounded, generous, and deeply committed to her community. Her 50-year legacy is a rare and powerful example of dedication, adaptability, and care.

Congratulations, Janet—and thank you for five remarkable decades of service.