When Doctor Genevieve arrived for her very first shift at Bellinger River District Hospital, she had no idea she was about to witness the heart and soul of the Bellingen community in action.
Thanks to the weather associated with Cyclone Alfred, floodwaters were on the rise, and the road home was likely to be cut off. Genevieve came prepared, bringing her two-year-old toddler and husband along for the weekend. And sure enough, the floods came… but so did the kindness.
A local volunteer opened his home, offering the family a warm place to stay and meals to keep them going. Hospital staff wrapped them in support from the moment they arrived.
“It was quite an adventure,” Genevieve said. “Honestly, it felt like the perfect introduction to working here.”
Welcome to Bellingen, Dr Genevieve — and welcome to the true Bellingen spirit.