Wendy Swan

Wendy began her journey at GV Health through a bursary program designed to attract health professionals to regional areas. What started as a two-year placement quickly became a lifelong career.

“I never planned to stay for 40 years, but I always found purpose here—and that’s what keeps you coming back,” she said.

Her career has spanned a diverse range of roles and specialties, including acute care, community health, chronic disease, oncology, management, and research. Along the way, Wendy has embraced both challenges and opportunities.

“There were no clear processes at the time, so we had to figure things out, build trust, and demonstrate how we could support patients. Growth often begins with discomfort,” she said.

Wendy emphasises the importance of ongoing education in healthcare. She completed her Master’s degree through the University Department of Rural Health and has since mentored countless emerging clinicians.

“Watching Allied Health grow in strength and seeing graduates develop into confident leaders has been incredibly rewarding.”

Today, GV Health employs around 20 dietitians across a wide range of programs, reflecting the significant growth of the service.

Looking back, Wendy is most proud of the people she has worked alongside and the patients who have inspired her throughout her career.

“Their resilience gives this work meaning.”