For more than 25 years, Celia was a beloved and constant presence at Canberra Health Services. Known universally as the Voice of Switchboard, she was an essential part of the CHS community for generations of medical officers, nursing staff, allied health professionals, and administrative teams.

Celia worked across early mornings, long days, late nights, and holiday periods — always there when someone needed reassurance, direction, or simply a moment of kindness. Her warm humour, gentle huskiness, and knack for a good story brought comfort and connection to countless staff members during busy, stressful, or emotionally challenging shifts.

Celia passed away last year, and her absence has been felt deeply throughout the organisation.

Celia was not just a staff member — she was a foundational part of CHS. Her voice was often the first contact new doctors had when starting their rotations, the reassuring guide for nurses trying to reach urgent on‑call services, and the familiar presence for admin and clinical staff working through demanding rosters.

Her dedication, humanity, and loyalty to CHS touched thousands of people over decades.

CHS has honoured other exceptional contributors — for example, Moira’s Café, named after a cherished staff member who was lost to breast cancer. As someone who shaped the culture and spirit of CHS for more than two decades, Celia deserves to be remembered in a similar and meaningful way.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that Canberra Health Services:

Name the newly refurbished courtyard outside the Switchboard office (near the former Emergency Department entrance) in honour of Celia.

Suggested names include:

Celia’s Space, or
Celia’s Courtyard

This recognition would provide:

A lasting tribute to a woman whose kindness and dedication supported generations of staff.

A reflective, shared space for the multidisciplinary CHS community.
A reminder of the profound impact of frontline, behind‑the‑scenes staff whose work often goes unrecognised publicly but is vital to the functioning of our health service.
 
Why This Tribute Is Fitting

Celia spent much of her career in the area directly adjacent to this courtyard.

Staff from across CHS — clinical, administrative, operational — have strong emotional connections to her and to Switchboard.
The courtyard is a place of movement and connection, just as Celia was.
This small act of recognition would acknowledge the essential contributions of non‑clinical staff who shape the culture and wellbeing of CHS every day.
 

We will be asking that CHS formally recognise Celia’s profound contribution by approving this naming, ensuring her legacy lives on in the heart of the campus where she spent so much of her life supporting others.

Celia gave CHS her voice, her humour, and her heart.
Let this space give something back. (there is no need for donations!!!)