Biggenden MPHS staff and residents with artist Joy Spry and the time capsule they contributed to.
A quiet conversation between Biggenden Multipurpose Health Service (MPHS) resident Kevin Hargans and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) recreation officer Michelle Kinbacher kickstarted an activity that will endure for years to come.
That conversation led to WBHHS supporting a project that has seen residents, staff and the local community collect items and plan for a time capsule to be displayed at the facility, which will be opened in January 2033 to celebrate the ‘new’ hospital’s 21st birthday.
Biggenden MPHS residents, family and staff have all had the opportunity to place something in the capsule and are excited to share their history and their present with those who will open the capsule in the future.
Gayndah artist Joy Spry painted the capsule, adorning it with intricate images of the Biggenden community and the hospital.
“I really wanted to get this right,” Ms Spry said.
“I was really nervous to paint this, as I knew how much it meant to the residents and the community, and I wanted to capture the beauty and history of the town.”
Giving it his tick of approval, Mr Hargans said the art Ms Spry has featured on the time capsule is more than any of the residents and staff could have hoped for.
“It captures our community perfectly,” Mr Hargans said.
“The old hospital, local landmarks, Chowey Bridge, war memorials, and native animals – Joy has made sure they’re all have a place on the time capsule.
‘Unlike traditional time capsules, it will be displayed somewhere within the facility for everyone to see – we can’t bury and cover up the beautiful artwork Joy has painted.
“We’re all so excited at the thought of our families and new staff members opening the time capsule in 10 years and exploring what we hold most dear and memorable.”
Precious and carefully selected items placed in the time capsule include:
- stories and photos of the residents, including those who worked in the hospital in their earlier years
- a book written about Ivy Seymour, Biggenden MPHS’s 103-year-old resident and pillar of the community
- Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia
- staff nursing badges spanning back decades
- a pot painted by the artist who decorated the time capsule itself, and
- the very first fob watch a staff member was given when she began her nursing career in the 1970s.
This initiative/event aligns with our strategic plan objective Optimise and transform and Partnerships.
Find out more about our 2022-2026 strategic plan Care, connection, compassion for all.