St George’s day – Celebrating 130 years of health care
On Wednesday 30 April, St George Hospital celebrated St George’s Day, marking 130 years of serving the community.
The open day was a celebratory showcase of history, dedication to world-class healthcare, innovation; and a culture that empowers patients, staff, and community.
Celebrations began with artistic performances from diverse community dance groups and singers alongside performances from talented hospital staff. A range of performers shared in traditional dance and song, reflecting the multicultural landscape that has shaped the history and continues to reflect the community of St George Hospital. Hospital staff paraded in historical uniforms, while facility staff abseiled down the hospital buildings in Superhero outfits!
It was a day filled with reflection and joy, with a number of community partners attending, including the St George Illawarra Dragons, Happy Dragon from St George Bank, the St George Hospital Lamrock Committee and community supporters.
Local artists from Dalmarri Aboriginal Art Services, helped staff illustrate the hospital’s history and journey with the creation of a beautiful Aboriginal artwork to be displayed on campus.
St George Hospital has been serving the community since 1894. Moments of history remain captured in the St George Hospital Museum. One famous personality remembered in the hospital’s history is a story of ‘Bluey’, the old cattle dog forever faithful to his owner.
One Saturday afternoon in 1931, an elderly man was knocked down in an accident on Princes Highway. Bluey was left to watch his owner taken by ambulance to St George Hospital. Making his own way to the hospital he arrived in time to see his owner carried into the ward. Two days later the man died, but for 14 years Bluey remained near the entrance to the ward, never losing faith that someday his friend would walk out again. Vivid proof of the legend that ‘a dog is man’s best friend’.
Congratulations to St George Hospital on this momentous occasion, a testament to their commitment to providing world class care with world class culture.
Published on 13 May 2025
