Debbie’s 45-year nursing journey with MDHS

Debbie Weir is celebrating an exceptional milestone this year, marking 45 years of continuous service with Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).

What makes Debbie’s career even more remarkable is that nursing was never part of her original plan.

“I never actually wanted to be a nurse,” said Debbie. “I needed first aid so I could become an air hostess. I applied for a nursing aid course, didn’t get in, and was instead offered a general nursing course. I said yes and I’m so glad I did.”

Debbie began her nursing career in 1978 as a student nurse in Maryborough, training through the Northern District School of Nursing in Bendigo. She graduated with a distinction in 1981 and went straight into work in outpatients, emergency care and theatre, at a time when hospital-trained nurses stepped directly into full clinical roles.

Over the decades, Debbie has worked across many areas, with recovery and theatre nursing becoming her specialty and first love.

“Recovery has grown into such a specialised area, and it’s where I’ve spent most of my career. Within ten minutes of returning to theatre after COVID, I knew I still belonged there.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Debbie was seconded to Dunolly Residential Community, an experience that changed her perspective on aged care.

“I was very nervous on my first day,” she said. “I hadn’t worked in aged care for nearly 40 years. But I quickly learned how specialised and rewarding it is. I now love both areas and feel privileged to work across them.”

Debbie currently works as Acting Nurse Unit Manager at Dunolly Residential Community, while her substantive role is Associate Nurse Unit Manager in Theatre. She also continues to support the organisation through After Hours Coordinator shifts, including working the final night shift in the old hospital and the very first night shift in the new facility.

Reflecting on what has kept her at MDHS for 45 years, Debbie is clear.

“It’s the love of the work and the people. The teamwork we have now where everyone can speak up for safety is one of the biggest improvements I’ve seen.”

Her advice to those starting out is simple:

“Ask questions. Keep asking until it makes sense. Learn from everyone around you and work as a team.”

Debbie’s dedication, adaptability and passion make her an invaluable asset to MDHS and an inspiration to generations of nurses.

In 2025, MDHS presented 29 Service Awards to recognise staff milestones from 10 years through to an exceptional 45 years of service.