Vale David Whare A much-loved Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital colleague, David Whare, chief wardsperson, sadly passed away recently. Dave was a valued member of the corporate services team, dedicating 32 years of service to the hospital. His career began by chance while on holiday in Australia, when a hospital manager approached him to join as a wardsperson. At the time, he had been planning to become a truck driver, but Dave turned up the following Monday and began a remarkable three-decade contribution to the patients and staff of Hornsby Hospital. Dave was known for his kindness, humility, and quiet strength. Generous in spirit, he made those around him feel safe, valued, and supported. He had a rare ability to put people at ease simply by being himself. For more than three decades, he was more than a colleague—he was a trusted friend, a source of reassurance, and a familiar, comforting presence to many. His loyalty, compassion, and respect extended beyond work to everyone he met. Dave’s legacy lives on through the lives he Vale Michael Appleton It is with great sadness that we remember Michael Appleton, who passed away in December after a battle with cancer. Michael dedicated 35 years as a Consumer Advisor and volunteer with Ryde Hospital’s Community Mental Health Service, leaving a lasting impact on patients, peers and staff. From his own experiences as a young person in the mental health system, Michael became a tireless advocate for better care. Manager of Ryde Consumer Services Paula Hanlon said Michael was an adolescent when he entered the mental health system in the late 60s. “There were no specialist units at the time and young people shared adult units, subjected to trial medications and other treatments with unknown impact of the young brain,” she said. “Michael had two clear goals in his life. The first was to make sure people entering the mental health system today would have a better experience than him. “The second was to make six people smile and six people laugh every day.” Michael founded the Ryde Consumer Network and was a founding member of the Northern Sydney District Consumer Network,
touched, the friendships he formed, and the warmth he brought to the hospital and community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. A memorial was held on the hospital grounds for staff, his family, and the wider community He will be missed and fondly remembered with gratitude and respect.
David Whare
shaping consumer-led mental health advocacy for generations to come.
“He really worked towards achieving that and improved the experience of so many mental health consumers.”
Michael Appleton
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
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