GV Health staff and Rushworth community unite in remembrance at the unveiling of the Waranga Memorial Wall

Standing the test of time: The Waranga Memorial Wall, made using the bricks from the Waranga Memorial Hospital, which was built in 1961. Photo by Lauren Formica
Community pride: Waranga Health residents gathered to attend the unveiling ceremony. Photo by Lauren Formica
Honouring the legacy: Waranga Community Reference Group members Clem Furphy and Cass Alexander pay tribute to the previous hospital. Photo by Lauren Formica
Moment of reflection: Clem Furphy speaks about the history of the Rushworth hospitals. Photo by Lauren Formica
Collaboration: GV Health representatives and Waranga Community Reference Group members at the unveiling of the wall. Photo by Lauren Formica
Addressing the crowd: GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp thanked GV Health staff and Rushworth community members for their work behind the scenes. Photo by Lauren Formica

Rushworth celebrated a special moment in its history with the unveiling of the Waranga Health Memorial Wall on December 8.

The ceremony at Waranga Health brought the community together to reflect on the past.

The wall was built to represent the hospital’s journey from the Bush Nursing Hospital, built in 1933, to the present-day Waranga Health.

After World War II, the need for a better hospital became clear, leading to the idea of the Waranga Memorial Hospital in 1945.

In 1961, a 12-bed facility opened on Coyle St, expanding over the years to meet community needs.

In 2019, the Coyle St facility closed and Waranga Health, on High St, was established.

Preserving the old building’s legacy, the Waranga Health Memorial Wall was made using bricks from the original structure.