Meet Liddy: 50 Years of Nursing, Community, and a Norfolk Island Adventure
Chris O • January 20, 2026
5 Decades of Nursing, Community and a Norfolk Island Adventure
After more than five decades in nursing, Liddy could have chosen a quiet transition into retirement. Instead, she said yes to adventure, community, and a unique opportunity on Norfolk Island which we made happen. Her story speaks of experience, passion, and the joy of giving back.
A Lifetime in Nursing
Liddy has been a nurse for over 50 years, with an incredibly diverse career spanning ICU, rural and remote nursing, blood bank services, residential aged care, and many years in education across both hospital and tertiary sectors.
“As I neared retirement, I thought it would be fun to spend the last couple of years back in the clinical space,” she says. “Short contracts in rural and remote aged care felt like the perfect way to finish my career.”
Why Norfolk Island?
For Liddy, Norfolk Island was an easy yes.
“I’m a beach girl,” she laughs. “The thought of a remote tropical island surrounded by the sea really appealed to me.”
But it wasn’t just the scenery. The role itself aligned perfectly with her background in education, focusing on facility-wide education policies, procedures, and preparing staff for the introduction of the new Aged Care Act.
First Impressions: A Warm Welcome
Flying into Norfolk Island left a lasting impression.
“The emerald-green hills, rugged cliffs, and deep blue South Pacific were breathtaking,” Liddy recalls.
Her arrival set the tone for her entire experience. She was greeted at the airport with a hug, a hire car, and a friendly briefing on island life - including speed limits, cattle grids, and a very important rule: cows always have right of way!
A Day in the Life on the Island
As the educator for the whole facility, no two days were the same.
Liddy worked with everyone across the campus - nurses, doctors, admin staff, cleaners, kitchen staff, physiotherapists, and lab teams. With around 100 people on the training register, her days were filled with inductions, orientations, clinical education, in-service sessions, mandatory training, and whatever else came her way.
The Power of Community Care
What stood out most to Liddy was the deeply holistic and multidisciplinary approach to care.
“All healthcare needs are coordinated from the one campus,” she explains. “There’s real continuity of care - many of the people have grown up together and share a long history and culture. That connection makes a huge difference.”
This is what #ConnectionsWithImpact looks like in practice: trusted relationships, shared history, and care that’s shaped by genuine understanding.
Life Beyond Work
One of the biggest surprises for Liddy was just how much island life had to offer.
“Norfolk Island is incredibly community-focused and caters not only to locals but tourists as well,” she says. “From paddling groups and trivia nights to boot scootin’ classes, great coffee shops, and wonderful places to eat and drink - there really is something for everyone.”
And if you want to get involved? You’ll be welcomed with open arms.
Support from Talent Quarter
Throughout her contracts, Liddy felt well supported by her Talent Quarter consultant and the wider team.
“They were very supportive whenever I needed anything and regularly checked in to make sure everything was going well.”
Thinking About Rural or Remote Nursing?
Liddy’s advice to nurses considering a rural or remote placement is simple:
“Just do it.”
Ready for Your Own Rural or Remote Adventure?
If Liddy’s story has you thinking about taking your nursing career somewhere new, our lovely consultants, Christine or Alexiss who can help you get there. From iconic island destinations to rural and remote communities across Australia, we offer supported contracts that let you make a real difference - professionally and personally.
For general nursing roles, reach out to Christine:
Email: Christine.nazareth@talentquarter.com
Phone: +61 7 2112 6558
If you’re interested in Aged Care opportunities, Alexiss (Head of Aged Care) would love to chat:
Email: alexiss.macneil@talentquarter.com
Phone: +61 4 8583 6617
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As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to switch gears: to reflect on the past 12 months, recharge over the holidays and perhaps start to think about what comes next. If you’re working in the healthcare sector - whether nursing, allied health, aged care or medical support - now is an excellent time to give some thought to your next career step . At Talent Quarter, we have fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and we’d love to get you connected. Get in touch with us today and let’s make your next step the best career move so for you. Below is our career-checklist and some practical tips to help you approach a job move in the new year - with less stress, more clarity and even while you enjoy your holiday downtime. Why now could be a smart time for a change Even though the labour market has its fluctuations, the healthcare sector in Australia continues to show strong underlying opportunities.
Working in rural and remote healthcare isn’t just a career move, for some, it’s a calling. For many nurses, it’s about stepping into communities where access to healthcare can be limited, and where your presence actually makes a world of difference. One of our incredible nurses, Brittanie , has spent the past three years working across remote Australia - and she shared what this experience has meant to her, she says: “After spending time in rural areas, I realised how much impact you can have in small communities. Every day is different - from emergency response and CareFlight retrievals to outstation visits and primary healthcare - and you never stop learning.” Connection is at the Heart of Care What stands out most about rural nursing isn’t just the variety of work, it’s the connection. In these communities, you’re not just a clinician; you’re a massive part of their lives. You're able to see the results of your care first-hand and watch families grow across generations. The landscape, culture, and pace of life bring a sense of purpose and grounding that’s hard to find elsewhere. “Being surrounded by country and culture gives you a real sense of meaning. It’s not just healthcare - it’s connection, belonging, and learning from the strength and resilience of the communities you serve.” At TQ, this is a first-hand example of what we call Connections with Impact.
Working in Aged Care means giving compassion, patience and heart every day. But in a sector built on care, your own wellbeing matters just as much as the people you support. What the Numbers Say Recent Australian research shows wellbeing in aged care is under real pressure: Around 1 in 4 workers experience burnout symptoms like fatigue and emotional exhaustion (ARIIA, 2024). Burnout rates increased and resilience has declined (Medical Journal of Australia). Over half of workers in some studies have considered leaving due to workload and emotional strain. These aren’t just stats - they’re the lived reality of the people caring for our most vulnerable. Why It Matters Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the slow build-up of long shifts, emotional load, and never-ending demands. But you matter too - your health, your energy, your purpose. It’s okay to pause, take leave, ask for help, and reset. Caring for yourself is part of caring for others - you can’t pour from an empty cup! Alexiss, our Head of Aged Care at TQ, puts it perfectly: “Pause and reconnect with your purpose. Remember what drew you to aged care, because those meaningful connections can reignite your spark when you need it most.” What Helps Reduce Burnout in Aged Care Smarter workloads, better schedules: When shifts are balanced and you have more control over your work, burnout drops - and job satisfaction rises. Strong support systems - Good leadership and supportive teammates make all the difference. Care work is relational, and carers need care too. Spot pressure early - Noticing stress points before they build helps keep teams steady and safe. Extra hands when needed - Partnering with Talent Quarter means having qualified staff ready to step in when workloads peak. Hiring for the long haul - Bringing in the right permanent staff creates stability, strengthens teams, and helps prevent burnout before it starts. 🤝 Connections with Impact At TQ, we really do believe that great care starts with supporting the carers . We’re here to help connect you with workplaces where you feel valued, supported and able to thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally. Let us help you find an Aged Care role that’s right for you! And remember, it’s okay to pause. To take leave. To ask for help. To reset. The best carers are those who know when to look after themselves first. Because when you’re well, the positive impact you create ripples through everyone around you. If you’d like support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, our Aged Care Team is here for you. Get in touch! 📩 Alexiss: Alexiss.Macneil@talentquarter.com
