Western Sydney health workers’ sweet surprise on Australia Day

Australia Day was sweet for Western Sydney health workers this year.

More than 4,500 individually packed lamingtons with a heartfelt thank you note were delivered to staff working in Westmead, Auburn, Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals on the public holiday.

The network of Rotary clubs in Western Sydney was the face behind the surprise.

Parramatta City Rotary club president Barry Antees said the idea of gifting lamingtons to health workers on Australia Day came naturally.

“We wanted to thank our health heroes for their hard work in the past 12 months, and Australia Day seemed like a good opportunity.

“With lamingtons being an Australian icon, it was a match made in heaven,” Barry said.

“Having an opportunity to give back to people who have already given so much to our community felt very special.”

Emergency department nurse Quin Lim was on duty when the sweet gifts were delivered to Auburn Hospital. She said it made her day.

“We did not expect any surprises on Australia Day,” she said.

“It made us feel appreciated by our community. Thank you!”

All the lamingtons were purchased from small businesses to support the local community in Western Sydney.

Blacktown Rotary club president Melvin D Gray said he was humbled by the extra workload and diligence shown by all frontline workers in hospitals.

“On behalf of all our members, thank you for the opportunity of allowing Rotary to show appreciation to your wonderful staff.”