Collected information from and about:
This project is dedicated to the named and many unnamed
men and women who had a vision and who were willing to dedicate
their time, energy, and efforts to provide a Local Medical and Emergency
Services for the township of Coober Pedy and its surrounding district.
Thank you to the below for their contribution to this Project:
Mr. Bill McDougall
Mrs. Jenny Gough
Mrs. Kath Kruger (nee Marsh)
Mr. Peter Rowe
Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Judy Underwood
Mr. Andy Sheils
Mr. Albert McCormack
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Susan Radeka
Mrs. Patricia Turner
Mrs. Jenny Davison
Coober Pedy Health Auxiliary
Coober Pedy Historical Society
Coober Pedy CFS
Coober Pedy Mine Rescue/SES Unit
Coober Pedy Old Timers Mine
EFNLHN Coober Pedy Hospital & Health Services
SA Ambulance, Coober Pedy
The Bush Church Aid Society
And a HUGE THANK YOU to all the VOLUNTEERS in the past, present and future who are willing to dedicate their time and energy in supporting the community and ultimately to those in need.
Coober Pedy Local Medical & Emergency Services
Early Days Timeline
1915 – 1920 Pioneer Miners
Pioneer miners, Jim and Dick O’Neill with their partner, Fred Blakeley, had the best First Aid Kit on the field. It is recorded that the community would go to their camp seeking first aid assistance. (courtesy of Coober Pedy Historical Society)
Coober Pedy Progress Association advocates for Medical Services
Following the first death on the field a Special General meeting of the Coober Pedy Progress Association was held on 5th June 1921. The purpose of the meeting was to form a Hospital Committee which would raise funds for the building and equipping of a small hospital. The Hospital Letter..Read More
The Bush Church Aid Society launches a Medical Air Service
The Bush Church Aid Flying Medical Service commenced operations in Ceduna, South Australia. (Article: 1953 ‘BCA Flying Medical Service’, BCA Real Australian, courtesy of The Bush Church Aid Society)
First Emergency Air Evacuation from Coober Pedy
The first recorded emergency air evacuation from Coober Pedy was an opal miner who was flown to Alice Springs Hospital for suspected blood poisoning. Prior to this first air evacuation the ‘Quick Transport of Sick’ article records that it would normally have taken nearly a week to travel to William..Read More
Royal Flying Doctor Service Medical Chests
The medical chest was a key tool in the medical care provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in the remote areas of Australia, with over 3,000 of these chests distributed throughout the country. The RFDS was established in 1928 by the Reverend John Flynn, a minister of the..Read More
BCA Flying Medical Service begins regular Medical Clinics in Coober Pedy
The BCA Flying Medical Services extended their medical services to Coober Pedy this included providing a monthly Doctors clinic and emergency evacuations. The clinics were conducted on the first Wednesday of the month in a room at the rear of Marks Store (current site of the Opal Inn Hotel). Dr..Read More
Herbert & Ethel Wilson
From 1947 – 1957, Herbert and Ethel Wilson were the first aiders responsible for the medical chest and radio. They ran a store, located where the Desert Cave Hotel is situated today. At this time the postal agency was relocated to a shed next to their store. Ma Wilson, (as she..Read More
Influenza Epidemic
An influenza epidemic broke out on the Aboriginal Reserve requiring Dr Woodroofe and a Nursing Sister to be flown in from Ceduna to provide treatment and care. Essential supplies were provided which included oxygen cylinders, canned orange juice and other necessary items. As it was necessary for the Nurse to..Read More
Monthly Dr Clinics
Although initially the monthly Drs clinics had been conducted at the rear of Mark Store, it was around this time when a dedicated room was set up and made available for the monthly visits at the Lutheran Mission on the Aboriginal Reserve (now known as Umoona Community). Mr. William (Bill)..Read More
Gastro Epidemic strikes Coober Pedy
Gastro Epidemic strikes Coober Pedy – On Sunday 1st October, the BCA Doctor and Nurse flew to Coober Pedy to treat a sick baby, unfortunately despite the Dr’s and Nurses best efforts the baby did not survive. According to BCA Pilot Allan Chadwick, the “gastro epidemic began in earnest” throughout..Read More
Events leading to the construction of the original Coober Pedy Medical Centre
After 40 years from the original discussions and planning the Coober Pedy Progress Association decided it was more than time to make this dream and vision a reality. The Coober Pedy Progress Association sought advice and support from The Bush Church Aid Society and in partnership with the State Government..Read More
Medical Centre Opening
The ‘Coober Pedy Medical Centre’ began operations on the 1st February and was officially opened on the 4th February by the then Chief Secretary Sir A Lyell McEwan. The first appointed nursing staff were BCA Sisters Vaisly Cochran and Heather Heaver. After the official launch, a luncheon was provided for..Read More
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
BCA passed on its aircrafts and radio operations to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Port Augusta, so closing the door on one of BCA’s pioneering services. (Article: ‘BCA Flying Medical Services, Coober Pedy’, Opal Wonderland, courtesy of The Catacomb Church, Coober Pedy). (Article: ‘The Flying Medical Service of the..Read More
Midwifery Wing Added
A Midwifery wing was added to the Coober Pedy Medical Centre just in time for 6 babies to be born in the first week of operation. The first baby to be born was on 30-12-69 to Evelyne and Jose Calvo, a boy Joss-Thiery. Evelyne’s story as told to Jenny Davison,..Read More
Sr Anne Dau Awarded Certificate of Merit
Sr Ann Dau was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s ‘Certificate of Merit’ for her willingness to be lowered down a disused mine shaft at night to treat an injured miner. Sr Dau remained at the bottom of the shaft whilst the injured miner was being raised up the shaft to..Read More
1969 -1970 Mining Accident Increases
In the late 1960’s Bill McDougall reflected that because of increasing mining activity accidents were being recorded more frequently, and at least one fatality had been recorded. He believed there was the need for a well-equipped and trained group of volunteers who could provide emergency assistance at mining accidents was..Read More
Mine Rescue Squad
Led by Mr. Bill McDougall and Mr. Dave Genet the Mine Rescue Squad was formed (Bill recalls there were “10 of us in total”) who were willing and prepared to assist and rescue opal miners involved in cave ins and mining accidents. Early equipment was kept at the police station...Read More
CWA Social Fundraising Event
The CWA held a social evening at the Opal Inn, in their campaign to raise funds to replace the fly screen in the windows on the verandah with glass. This sealed the verandah from the outside elements and the verandah was then able to be utilized as the Children’s Ward. ..Read More
“Coober Pedy Hospital Auxiliary” is formed
The Coober Pedy Hospital Auxiliary (The Auxiliary) was formed by volunteers primarily to assist with purchases required for the comfort of the patients, visitors and staff at the hospital. In 1971 4 women, Anita Brown, Dee Atkinson, Margaret Wake and Faye Naylor came together with the intention of forming an..Read More
Auxiliary Auction raises funds for the first St John’s Ambulance
The Auxiliary held an auction to raise funds for the community’s first dedicated Ambulance. The auction included bidding for all specific parts of the vehicle i.e.: the wheel, the stretcher, the body of the vehicle etc. right down to the last wheel stud. Funds raised through the auction totaled $3,700..Read More
Coober Pedy Fire Brigade
Mr. Albert McCormack & Mr. Bob Amorosi undertook the task of establishing the Coober Pedy Fire Brigade. Albert and Bob gathered 6-8 community members who would become the first group of volunteers. Albert recalls they only had 2 very large Fire Extinguishers which although the extinguishers were useful in a..Read More
Nursing Accommodation
With the community growing 2 additional Remote Area Nurses (RAN’s) were sent in January 1973. To accommodate the additional nursing staff, a two-bedroom transportable building was purchased and placed to the right of the Medical Centre. At this time total staff for the Medical Centre comprised of 4 RAN’s, 1..Read More
Commencement of the Coober Pedy Hospital Board
In March 1973, the Bush Church Aid Society sought permission from the Minister of Health Mr. Banfield to hand over the management of the Coober Pedy Medical Centre as on the 30th June 1973 to the South Australian Health Commission (SAHC). (Article: 1973, 2nd March ‘Hospital requests takeover’, The Advertiser,..Read More
Promise of Extensions to Coober Pedy Hospital
Promise of extensions to the Coober Pedy Hospital including accommodation for the RFDS Dr and pilot on their overnight stays in Coober Pedy. During this time, the RFDS were conducting weekly clinics in Coober Pedy. (Article: ‘Extensions at Coober Pedy Hospital’ by Sr Carol Allen, BCA Real Australian March 1974..Read More
Mine Rescue Squad raises funds for a Fresh Air blower & Generator
The Mine Rescue Squad and the Coober Pedy Progress Association held a fundraising event to raise funds to purchase a 5KVA Generator and an electrically powered Fresh Air Blower. The Coober Pedy Hospital supported the project by providing a 3:1 funding subsidy. The fresh air blower would blow fresh air..Read More
Coober Pedy Fire Brigade
The Coober Pedy Fire Brigade was supported in a fundraising event hosted by the Coober Pedy Progress Association. Albert McCormack recalls it was a dance and gala auction and it was held to raise funds for the purchase of a Bedford Water truck. Albert McCormack remembers it was at this..Read More
Coober Pedy Hospital extensions and Nurses Home
Extensions and renovations to the Coober Pedy Hospital. The renovations included: Facilities for Doctors and the Public Health Nurse Dentist Hospital administration Casualty extensions During the building of the Hospital renovations a new Nurses’ accommodation was erected. The Nurses’ Home supported accommodation for additional nursing staff but as previously..Read More
RN’s licensed to take X-Ray’s
Sr Michelle Blondell & Sr Carol Allen attended training and were the first RN’s to be licensed to take x-rays in Coober Pedy. This service reduced the need for some patients not having to travel out of town for a routine basic x-ray. Trained RN’s continue to take basic x-rays..Read More
Fire Brigade becomes CFS
The Coober Pedy Fire Brigade officially became known as the Coober Pedy Country Fire Services (CFS).
Purchase of VHF Traeger Mobile Radios
The Mine Rescue Squad was eager to source a means of communication that would assist in communicating directly between members in emergency situations regardless of their location. After considerable research Mr. Peter Rowe a long term volunteer and President (for many years) recommended the purchase of 12 VHF (Very High..Read More
William McDougall Presented Award
Mr. William (Bill) McDougall received an award on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen for service to the welfare of mentally retarded children. (Commonwealth Govt of Australia Gazette, Tues 6 June 1978). Bill McDougall along with his hard work and efforts in supporting the establishment and upkeep of the Coober Pedy..Read More
First Mine Rescue Shed is constructed
The Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad commenced the construction of a purpose built shed to accommodate the vehicle and equipment. The shed was constructed on McDougall Rd. The Mine Rescue Squad arranged for a larger trailer to be built that could then store and transport all the equipment required in..Read More
New 20 Bed Hospital
A new 20 bed Hospital was opened on the 8th October 1982 by the Hon. Jennifer Adamson MP, Minister for Health. It was designed specifically for desert conditions and won an Architectural Award for “Buildings in their settings” due to its unique design of shaded verandahs and a sheltered central..Read More
Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Joins with SES
The Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad joined forces with SA’s State Emergency Services in their functions and operations. The Squad became the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue / SES Unit.
New St John’s Ambulance Shed Officially Opened
The Coober Pedy St Johns Ambulance officially opened a new Ambulance shed in December 1984. The Shed was located alongside the Community Health Centre. Training was conducted in the Community Health Centre in what had been the Hospital Dining room. The original Ambulance shed was dismantled leaving the cement slab..Read More
Sr Victoria (Vicky) McCormack awarded the Order of Australia Medal
Awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1987 for service to Aboriginal welfare. Named ‘Tjinkuma’ first by the Golden Girls. Sr Victoria (Vicki) McCormack fondly known as Sr. Vicky throughout the community was named Coober Pedy’s Citizen of the Year for her many years of dedication and service working to..Read More
Mrs Konnie Rowe acknowledged for her dedication and services to Coober Pedy
In recognition for 20 years of dedicated ambulance service. The SA Ambulance Coober Pedy Subbranch awarded Mrs. Konnie Rowe an Appreciation Certificate for her contribution and tireless efforts as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer (1978–1998). Mr. Peter Rowe remembered his wife Konnie receiving an award in the International Year of Volunteers..Read More
Residential Aged Care Beds included in Hospital Renovations
Renovations were undertaken to add 9 High level Aged Care residential beds to the Coober Pedy Hospital. The Hospital became a 24 bed Hospital comprising of 14 acute beds, 9 residential beds and 1 palliative care bed.
Dr Ernest Kamitakahara Order of Australia Medal (OAM) awarded
Dr Kami (as he is commonly known) served the township of Coober Pedy from January 1976 and is still practicing medicine in January 2021. Dr Kami who was born and educated in Toronto, Canada came to Australia whilst travelling the world. He had already traversed far and wide including riding..Read More
Mr Andrew Sheils receives Emergency Services Medal
Mr. Andrew (Andy) Sheils received an Emergency Services Medal on the 26th January 2003 in recognition of his ‘Distinguished services as a member of an Australian Emergency Organisation’. The medal was given on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Andy was recognised for his leadership and services given to..Read More
June Radeka’s commitment to Coober Pedy acknowledged
Mrs. June Radeka on behalf of SA Ambulance Coober Pedy, received the South Australian Emergency Services Medal for her ‘Distinguished and Meritorious services of the highest order’ presented by the Minister for Emergency Services. 2001 International Year of volunteers, South Australian CFS 2001 International Year of volunteers in recognition of..Read More
Dr Chee Meng Lee receives 2005 Australia Day Honours
Dr Chee Meng Lee a visiting surgeon to Coober Pedy received a 2005 Australia Day Honours – Order of Australia, Companion (AC) in the General Division – for services to the community of Coober Pedy as a visiting surgeon to the district. Dr Lee provided minor surgical procedures in Coober..Read More
Mr. Brian Underwood receives Australia Day Honours
Mr. Brian Underwood received an Australia Day Honours, Emergency Service Medal (ESM) on behalf of the Australian Public Service, South Australia Emergency Services. Brian was recognised for his leadership and ongoing dedication to the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue/SES Unit. Article: Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 26 January 2010. (courtesy of Coober..Read More
Hospital & Health Services 50th Anniversary
In February 2015, the Coober Pedy Hospital & Health Services celebrated its 50th Anniversary of providing localised Medical Services to Coober Pedy and the surrounding areas. Country Health SA Local Health Network (CHSALHN) Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Maree Geraghty and Mrs. Jenny Gough (long term resident and retired Enrolled Nurse)..Read More
2020 Current Day
Coober Pedy Hospital & Health Services (CPHHS) is governed by the Eyre & Far North Local Health Network Board of Directors. CPHHS is a 19 beg hospital 14 Acute beds 4 Residential beds 1 Palliative care bed Provides 24/7 Emergency services Basic X-rays continue to be conducted by Trained Registered..Read More