Australia Medal for Bourke’s Sally Torr
Bourke’s Dr Sally Torr received one of the highest accolades in this year’s Australia Day honours list by being made a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia.
Sally received this honour for ‘significant service to healthcare administration, and to the community of western NSW’.
She is one of Bourke’s most dedicated citizens who has been recognised for her contributions to the management of health services and for her tireless volunteer work.
Sally and her husband, John Thompson, moved to Bourke in 2008, looking for a new way of life out of the city. Sally secured a role as Health Services Manager at the Bourke Hospital and remained in that role until she retired in 2016.
“I am amazed and honoured to have received the award,” Sally said.
“Managing the Bourke Hospital and the health services meant I learnt a lot about the people and the community, and the skills of the staff were amazing.
“Working in a small community means people have an interest in any department, whether that’s in health or education – they keep their eye on you and you must respond.
“Health services are a big issue and I keep my interest in it. People come and talk to me, usually in my unofficial office at Morrall’s - and I listen and advise and it’s a case of sometimes people misunderstanding, so I try and explain what I can to them.
“The doctors we have coming to Bourke are very good and they’re keen, it’s just how they assimilate with community and it’s important that when they come to Bourke there is some sort of orientation for them,” Sally said.
Sally has contributed to many community organisations, including the CWA and the Bourke Arts Community, and was instrumental in establishing the Bourke Ceramics Centre and Flicks in the Sticks.
“Voluntary work is something I will always do, if the subject is of interest, and it’s a case of seeing what’s missing and seeing what you can do to bring it to the community.
“I was involved with CWA which is very important and a place where women can express what they think is needed in the town and I was also involved in Scouts, which is a great opportunity for young people to learn bush skills and teamwork.
“Even though I am retired I intend continuing with my voluntary work and I am very glad we made the decision to come to Bourke,” Sally said.
Tricia Duffield
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