Joanne Gabbert began working as a newly wed in 1977, and is leaving a team who will miss her very much.

“It’s very overwhelming. You turn up every day and you just do your job. To have this many people happy, it’s a tribute,” Jo said.

Director of Nursing, Lesley Laffey, spoke of Jo’s leadership and co-operation. 

“New staff looked to Jo for help and guidance as Jo knew the workings of the hospital very well.

“Jo has always considered her patients, the communities, and her co-workers.

“You’ve always been respected by your co-workers, which was shown when you received the Nurse of the Year Award. You are going to be missed greatly, but I hope in your retirement you get to do all the things you haven’t been able to do. Remember, once a nurse, always a nurse. At times you may be lost, but remember you’re always welcome back here for smoko and a chat,” Lesley said.

Forty years of nursing equates to innumerable hours spent helping people, which is exactly what has kept Jo going.

“I actually just think it’s great that you can help people. That’s why we do it. You learn all these things so you can be there when someone is having a very bad day, usually,” she said.

Most recently Jo has assisted with the running of the aged care annex and took on the role as ‘quality co-ordinator’ at Cloncurry Hospital. 

Her original Director of Nursing from 1977, Jan Scneckloth, was present.

Jo was presented with a framed certificate marking 40 years of service, and a long-service pin from the North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS).

Cloncurry Council presented Jo with a framed photograph of a stunning Cloncurry sunset.

From her Cloncurry colleagues she received a bouqueat, enormous cream cake, and a designer watch.

Jo has two sons, one of which attended the afternoon tea with Jo’s daughter-in-law and grandson.