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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