The Central Australia Health Service has recovered the Tennant Creek Hospital dedication plaque, which went missing during hospital renovations some years ago.

Chief Operating Officer of the Central Australia Health Service, Sue Korner said that getting the plaque back to the Tennant Creek Hospital for this year’s 40th anniversary is a fantastic outcome for the Barkly community.

The plaque was considered lost forever; that was until an article appeared in the media about Alice Springs resident Stuart Williams, who was selling his home full of salvaged materials.

One of the photographs in the article featured the Tennant Creek Hospital plaque. It was a ‘Eureka’ moment for the executives at the Central Australia Health Service, who immediately contacted Mr Williams.

“We were very excited when we saw the photo of the plaque,” Ms Korner said.

“Never in a million years did we think that we would get it back, certainly not in time to hang it back on the hospital for the anniversary.”

Ms Korner recently met with Mr Williams, when he handed over the plaque that he found at the tip shop in Alice Springs.

“I purchased it for $2 about a year ago,” he said.

“I have always salvaged unique items from around Alice Springs and incorporated them into the house that I was renovating, which I have since sold.

“Plaques are really special reminders of our history and I am very happy that the plaque is returning back to where it belongs.

“It was one of the things I kept when I sold the house, so that I could give it back to the hospital.”

“What an incredible story,” said Ms Korner. “We want to thank Stuart for looking after it for us.”

The hospital was officially opened on 28 June 1978 by The Honourable Ralph J Hunt Minister of State for Health.

A 40th anniversary celebration will be held at Tennant Creek Hospital on 28 June from 11am to 2pm, and will feature a rededication of the plaque.

The celebrations will be hosted in partnership with the Barkly Regional Consumer Advisory Group and will feature live music, stalls, historical displays and a free barbecue. The whole community is invited, as are past Tennant Creek Hospital staff.

If you have a story to share about Tennant Creek Hospital as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, contact nicole.ogilvie@nt.gov.au

Media Contact: Nicole Ogilvie 0401 114 113