The retirement brings to a close 44 years in the New South Wales Health Service – 27 of those were spent at the Wingham Hospital.

Jane wanted to slip away quietly but the hospital and her husband Jimmy had other ideas, organising a surprise party for her last day at work.

Current and former colleagues were in attendance to thank her for her hard work and positive attitude.

Leanne Moulds, nursing unit manager, said Jane was an inspiration to other nurses.

“She was patient, cool and clam in an emergency,” she said.

“She was always smiling – her good nature shines through. She’s a nurse that other nurses look up to.

“She’s going to be missed by everyone.”

A former colleague of Jane’s, Daphne Yarnold, said she would never lose her composure – no matter how stressful the situation she found herself in.

“She’s just wonderful – really caring and always pleasant. You can always rely on Jane,” Daphne said.

Jane was overwhelmed by the send-off she received.

She was full of praise for the hospital itself – calling it the best place for people to get better thanks to its beautiful riverside setting and friendly, professional team.

Jane chose to retire because she was keen to devote more time to her long list of volunteer responsibilities.

She has been a member of the Mooral Creek Hall committee since 1979, a Mooral Creek Rural Fire Service volunteer since 1979, trustee of the Wingham Showground Trust since 2004, the organiser of the Wingham Farmers Market and the secretary of the Retired Commission Officers Association with Corrective Services.

“It got to the point where I hardly had time to go to work,” Jane said.

“So I really want to get right into all the other things I do.”

Jane was born in New Zealand, where she received her nurse’s training.

She has worked at hospitals in Tamworth, Long Bay Jail, Taree and Wingham during her 44-year career.

Jane and Jimmy were named Wingham’s Citizens of the Year on Australia Day, 2008, for their volunteer contribution to the Wingham Show Society.