Katherine Hospital celebrates its 90th birthday

Bombings, floods and famous Australians — Katherine Hospital has seen it all in its 90 years of operations. See how the community celebrated its hospital’s milestone birthday.

Katherine Hospital in 1954. Picture: Supplied

Katherine Hospital celebrated its ninth decade of operations with the community gathering to commemorate the milestone on December 4.

Katherine Hospital has a rich history serving the Big Rivers Region, surviving numerous floods and even a bombing by the Japanese in 1942.

About 12,000 babies have been delivered in the hospital, including famous Australians like cyclist Cadel Evans, Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones, and federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy.

The cake represented the hospital’s iconic tamarind tree that was planted in 1934. Picture: Supplied

At the centre of Katherine Hospital’s story are its people.

“I was born at the Katherine Hospital old Ward One in June 1967,” former nurse and midwife Angela Scattini said.

“On my birth certificate, the midwife, doctor, mother, and father all shared my surname - Scattini.”

Ms Scattini’s father, Doctor Jim Scattini, went on to have that ward named after him, reflecting his 50 years of health services to the Katherine community.

Former Katherine Hospital laundry supervisor Fran Angus, Kim Scott and Ann Reed. Picture: Supplied

Diann Black’s mother Lynette Black was the first girl born in the hospital in 1935.

Ms Black’s mother Lynette went on to have a career at the hospital in the 1950s.

“Mum became a nurse and a midwife and was keen to return to her hometown to work at the hospital,” Ms Black said.

“Next year mum turns 90 as well, so it’s a big year for her too.”

Member for Katherine Jo Hersey said the hospital had always been an integral part of the Katherine community.

Mayor Lis Clark, Member for Katherine Jo Hersey, Angela Brannelly, Antony King, Kim Charles and Sandra Schmidt. Picture: Supplied

“Katherine Hospital’s history is deeply connected to our community,“ Ms Hersey said.

“From humble beginnings in 1931 as an emergency facility, to the opening of the permanent hospital in 1934, it has always supported our community members when they needed it most.”

Executive director of the Big Rivers region Angela Brannelly said the hospital was more than just a health hub.

“Over the years, I have come to see Katherine Hospital not just as a place of healing but also as a vibrant community,” Ms Brannelly said.