Beloved Cook Rhonda McBow Retires After 47 Years

With nearly 47 years of service to the community across Ayr and Home Hill health services, cook Rhonda McBow will be hanging up the apron for the last time.

Getting her start at the Home Hill Hospital in 1977, Mrs McBow had been working at the old Coutts supermarket and was looking for a career change.

“I’d heard the money was better at the hospital, so I went up and spoke to Matron Davies,” Mrs McBow said.

“There were no interviews or resumes required back then, and she offered me a cleaning position.

“Over the next 19 years I saw the development of the new 15 bed hospital which we moved into in 1993.

“It was very exciting; the kitchen had tiles on the floors, stainless steel benches and modern appliances and carpet throughout the hospital.”

It wasn’t until 1997 when Mrs McBow transferred over to the old Ayr Hospital as a kitchen hand that she found her place.

“My job was delivering meals to patients and daily kitchen duties which I enjoyed very much,” she said.

“In 2004 the new 28-bed hospital was built, with a brand-new kitchen with all the modern equipment, combi oven and Bain Marie.

“I was offered an opportunity to take on a cook’s position in 2007 which I loved very much.

“Cooking the daily meals, afternoon tea for patients; it was a very busy job.”

Ayr Health Service director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said Mrs McBow would be sorely missed by staff and patients alike.

“Rhonda has made a significant contribution to the Ayr and Home Hill health services,” she said.

“We have been very fortunate to have her as a cook for many years and patients, staff, and families have been enjoying her five-star catering during her time here.

“I continually receive feedback regarding the quality and variety of meals provided within our services and I appreciate and commend Rhonda for maintaining this exceptional service for our community.”

With her final date looming, Mrs McBow said she planned to do a bit of caravanning and spending time with the grandchildren.

“Our retirement plans are to holiday around in our caravan,” she said. “We have a beautiful new granddaughter at the Sunshine Coast, so we’ll be travelling down a lot.

“I also love my horses and want to do more horse riding and pony clubbing, teaching our 10- year-old granddaughter to ride.”

Health service staff held a retirement party for Mrs McBow last week, attended by past and present colleagues and friends.

Her last day is December 12, nearly one month shy of 47 years on January 10, 2025.

Article contributed by Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

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Rhonda McBow will complete her last day on December 12. Photo supplied

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