Gloria Brunner is a dedicated nurse and midwife who has spent her career serving the rural community of Ayr. Born and raised in Ayr, she moved to Townsville to complete her nursing course and gain experience at Townsville Hospital.
She then returned to her hometown, where she has worked ever since. "Rural nursing is all she’s known," her daughter Teagan shared, emphasising that Gloria was "born and made to be a rural nurse because it’s just such a diverse profession." Gloria also pursued a degree in midwifery while juggling the responsibilities of raising three children.
Working in rural health presents unique challenges, and Gloria has faced many throughout her career. The primary challenge is the lack of access to tertiary facilities, requiring healthcare professionals to rely on their broad knowledge and quick thinking.
"You have to make do with what you have at the time and be on your feet thinking and doing what you can," Teagan explained. Gloria often had to improvise and act swiftly without specialised support, showcasing her adaptability and dedication.
When Gloria was awarded the Rural Health Worker of the Year, her family was ecstatic. "We were all absolutely ecstatic," Teagan recalled. Her three daughters, including Teagan and Chloe, who also work as nurses at Ayr Hospital, were overjoyed and immensely proud.
"To see her passion and her love and respect and everything she gives to the community to be acknowledged is a surreal feeling," Teagan said.
Gloria's dedication to rural health has profoundly shaped her daughters' views on healthcare and community service. "She was my biggest driving factor to become a nurse," Teagan shared.
Known affectionately as "Mama Glor," Gloria offers comfort and support to both patients and colleagues. "She’s been there for people at the best and worst times of their life," Teagan noted. Her advice to aspiring rural health workers is simple yet profound: "At the end of the day, you are caring for people in your community."
When Gloria found out she won the award, she was humbled and gracious. "Mum was very humbled to even know that she’d been nominated for the award," Teagan said. This recognition highlighted her dedication to rural health and her role as a role model for her daughters and the community.
Gloria Brunner standing with her two daughters. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
