Maclean nurse Dom Bennett receives tributes after passing away at 52

‘Dom was so very special to us and we will miss him terribly’ - friends and family open up about a much-loved member of our community.

Rachel Bennett says she is struggling to find a starting point for a eulogy for her late husband, Dom Bennett.

“There are so many stories, so many things he did and people’s lives he touched,” she said.

Mr Bennett, 52, was a longtime nurse and manager at Maclean Hospital in the lead up to his sudden death last week.

It has led to an outpouring of tribute and condolences for a man committed to his work, his community and family.

A Maclean nurse’s sudden death a has left hole in the lives of those who loved him. Read about his commitment to his family, his work and his community: 🔽

Posted by The Daily Examiner on Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Born in Bathurst, Mr Bennett began his nursing training in his hometown, meeting a kindred spirit in Mrs Bennett, who had come from the Lower Clarence to enrol in the same nursing course.

“We’ve been together ever since, it will be 26 years next week,” Mrs Bennett said.

The pair graduated and soon headed around Australia to work and travel.

Their eldest son Caleb born while in Western Australia.

They returned to Bathurst, but soon craved a warmer climate and land.

They returned to Mrs Bennett’s home area, settling on a property at Tullymorgan and working at Lismore hospital before finding work at Maclean.

Dominic Bennett (centre), nurse manager Cathryn Osbourne and hospital auxiliary president Joyce Bell enjoy a Maclean Hospital open day in 2011. Picture: Debrah Novak.

Mr Bennett continued to work as the hospital’s after hours manager for 17 years, where his no-nonsense, yet caring attitude endeared him to the community.

“The people he cared for respected him very much and he could give them the news good, bad, or otherwise – he just had a way,” Mrs Bennett said.

Dom Bennett (right) with colleague Denis at Maclean Hospital. Picture: Supplied.

A spokesman from Maclean District Hospital paid tribute to the man they said was sometime referred to as “Dr Dom”, due to his excellent critical care knowledge leadership in an emergency. He said Dom was a hugely important part of the family at Maclean Hospital, and would be deeply missed.

“Dom was a loyal friend, mentor, teacher and advocate and his ability to make staff feel safe and supported in the workplace was exceptional,” he said.

“We keep Dom’s family in our thoughts and want them to know that Dom was so very special to us and we will miss him terribly.”

Mrs Bennett said she had been overwhelmed by the kind words and tributes from the community and said it reflected her husband’s standing.

“He was an amazing man who touched the hearts of so many people,” she said.

“He would go to town and it would take him hours to come back – everyone was always on for a chat.”

Mrs Bennett said he was a creature of habit and had to go out every morning to check the surf, grab a paper and do the crossword – this was his down time before his evening shift.

Tributes are flowing for Maclean nurse Dom Bennett. Picture: Supplied

“There are so many stories and everyone’s got their own memories,” she said.

“He was the life of the party, made people smile and laugh.”

Mrs Bennett said her husband was always proud of her nursing work, currently as the facility manager of Mareeba Aged Care, and very proud of his three children, Caleb, Hamish and Molly.

“The kids were so proud of what their dad did for the community,” Mrs Bennett said.

“He’s been a great role model working hard and we are so lucky to have been a part of his life.

“We all look forward to catching up with Dom in the Big Beer garden in the sky”.