Eastern Wheatbelt team celebrates three decades of Dianne Rogers

After 30 years of working in the Wheatbelt, Merredin-based Child Health Nurse Dianne Rogers is as much a part of the landscape as the golden canola crops and world-famous silo art.

Dianne recently celebrated three decades with Eastern Wheatbelt Primary Health Service (located at Merredin Health Service), where her commitment to providing exceptional care has made her an invaluable team member.

Whether in the clinic, on outreach, visiting new mothers and their babies at home, supporting schools, delivering enuresis education via telehealth, or collaborating with stakeholders – Dianne’s deep local knowledge is an asset.

“I was born and bred here in the Wheatbelt,” she said.

“I grew up in the small town of Burracoppin and went to school in Burracoppin and Merredin.

“When I finished my schooling, I followed my dream of becoming a Nurse and moved to Perth to do Enrolled Nurse training at Swan Districts Hospital, Registered Nursing at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, and then Midwifery at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

“I also worked in these various roles in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury.”

Dianne returned to the Wheatbelt in 1995 with her young daughters, initially joining the team as a School Health Nurse.

The hours suited her family, and — if life wasn’t busy enough — Dianne completed her Child Health qualification in 2002.

“I love getting to know families,” she said.

“Being in the profession for so long has meant I’ve been able to follow some of them from newborn, through school years, and then care for them when they have children of their own.”

Dianne has also welcomed many new families to town, connecting them with essential services and support.

In 2024, Dianne’s outstanding work supporting a culturally and linguistically diverse family saw her honoured with WA Country Health Service’s Wheatbelt Employee of the Year Award – Equity.

Dianne helped the family navigate pre- and postnatal services as well as the National Immunisation Schedule.

Their eldest child is now thriving at school and Dianne recently supported the family in welcoming their second child to the world.

“I moved back to my grass roots to be closer to my parents and extended family,” she said.

“The joy of now being a grandparent has kept me in Merredin.”

A/Executive Director Wheatbelt Danny Rogers congratulated Dianne on a remarkable and rewarding career.

“We are so fortunate to have you on our team and look forward to many more years of your exceptional care and leadership,” he said.