Family, friends, and community members gathered in South Australia today for the funeral of remote area nurse Gayle Woodford, who was murdered last month.
Mourners were asked to celebrate her life, rather than dwell on the circumstances of her death, according to an ABC report.
The service was also streamed live into the APY lands, allowing her friends who were unable to make the service in Stansbury to be a part of the commemoration, according to Channel 9.
Meanwhile, Christopher Cliffe, Chief Executive Officer of CRANAplus, has reminded colleagues that services are available to support health professionals in remote areas who may be experiencing secondary trauma.
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Chris Cliffe writes:
Today is a very sad and sobering day for the remote and isolated health industry.
Regardless of where you are across this massive country, or across the world, we stand united to honour the memory and celebrate the life of our colleague Gayle Woodford who was tragically murdered.
Today is a day to look after yourself and take care of your colleagues. For many, the secondary trauma that Gayle’s murder has triggered is making life tough, made all the more difficult by the challenges of working in remote Australia.
CRANAplus Bush Support Services provides 24/7 personalised care for remote health workers and their families and friends. You don’t have to be a member to utilise this service.
Our qualified psychologists are experienced in the remote sector and know first-hand, the best resources for those with unique support needs.
Our eleven highly skilled team members include two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists. It’s free and it’s confidential. You can also remain anonymous at all times if you wish.
Calls from mobile phones to the Bush Support Services 1800 805 391 Toll Free Number can be returned at the caller’s request.
• Christopher Cliffe is Chief Executive Officer of CRANAplus. This article is republished from today’s CRANAplus bulletin, with permission.
[divide style=”dots” width=”medium”]ABC reports that the family asked for donations to be made to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in lieu of flowers.
Meanwhile, this clip pays tribute to Gayle Woodford, who is being remembered as “a kind, generous, caring person who touched so many lives across a number of communities”.
