Each year on May 12, we mark International Nurses Day -an opportunity to reflect on the essential role nurses play in the health and wellbeing of our community.

The World Health Organisation estimates that there are approximately 29 million nurses caring for the sick and injured across the globe. At Barwon Health, just under 4,000 nurses contribute their expertise across hospital wards, clinics, aged care, palliative care, community health and community nursing. Their work underpins every part of the healthcare system -supporting patients through complex medical journeys, from the beginning of life to its end.

Their impact is truly profound and we hear this often from grateful patients and families.    

Locally, we continue to feel the impact of dedicated nurses like Jo Bourke. Jo passed away unexpectedly in September 2022, aged 64. She dedicated more than 40 years to nursing, working across clinical care, safety, quality, and governance. Her professional contributions were significant, but it was her deep compassion and commitment to people that truly defined her.

Jo was a strong advocate for patients and was a valued member of the leadership team, holding a number of key roles, including a period as Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer.

Beyond her professional life, Jo was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She loved travel, cars, and staying active – I remember her marching on the spot in a meeting - furiously trying to achieve her 10,000 steps a day, every day, thanks to her trusty Fitbit. Her warmth and sense of humour left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

To honour her legacy, Jo’s family established the Jo Bourke Legacy Fund through the Barwon Health Foundation. This permanently endowed fund supports patient comfort and care across the organisation, indefinitely, continuing Jo’s lifelong commitment to helping others, creating lasting impact. Because endowment funds continue generating support year after year, they provide a reliable and ongoing source of funding - ensuring that Jo’s values and contributions continue to benefit patients well into the future. It is a way of transforming personal loss into lasting good and her family invites those who knew Jo, or those who value the role nurses play in our healthcare system, to consider contributing to the fund, ensuring her legacy lives on.

On International Nurses Day, we acknowledge not only Jo’s contribution but that of all nurses. Both past and present. Their work is demanding, often emotionally and physically challenging, and yet it is carried out with such professionalism and compassion; Nurses remain a cornerstone of our health system.

To every nurse – we say a heartfelt thank you, your care makes a meaningful difference. The legacy you create through every patient interaction, will have a lasting impact.

Zoe Waters
Executive Director
Barwon Health Foundation