Early Childhood Nurse Gay Wiseman has just retired after dedicating the last 25 years of her career to caring for ‘mums, bubs and families’. For many new mothers in the Lower Clarence community, Gay was like an angel sent to assist them, as they faced the myriad of challenges associated with a new born baby. Gay started her nursing career at the age of 16, commencing her training at Lismore Base Hospital, where she went on to become a registered nurse in 1973. After marrying husband David Wiseman, they moved to Sydney, where Gay studied midwifery at Bankstown completing this course in 1974. She also completed her Tresillian at Petersham in 1976. In between her training Gay worked at Bankstown and Lewisham Hospitals and Petersham Private Surgical Hospital. In 1982 they returned to the Clarence Valley and Gay worked as a general nurse at the Maclean District Hospital. During this time she juggled motherhood and work and she decided to apply for the position of Community Nurse Generalist. After the birth of her third son in 1990 Gay took on the relieving position, as an Early Childhood Nurse and continued on in the full time position up until she retired. Gay said that over her career she has truly appreciated her amazing work colleagues, friends and the friendships formed in all areas of her work along the way. “It’s been a privilege to work with the local doctors and they should be commended for their high standards,” said Gay. “I have always highly respected their support.” Gay went on to say what a privilege it has been also, to have been employed as part of the health team in the Lower Clarence. “I have lots of wonderful memories from throughout my working life and I’m filled with thanks and appreciation to the many patients and families that I’ve got to know, respect and share my nursing skills with. “I consider myself very lucky to be part of this wonderful community.”