Margaret Raison with Lorraine Ettingshausen and Kiama Meals on Wheels’ Joanne North

The smiles say it all.

We are delighted to report that the painting missing from Kiama Hospital has been found safe and well.

As a last resort, the organising committee for the book on the social history of Kiama Hospital appealed to Bugle readers to help them find the painting of Barroul House.

The Kiama Graduate Nurses Association donated it to the Hospital in 1987,
from money raised at the 100th Anniversary reunion.

“We commissioned the painting from local artist Brian McCauley for $400, and we really wanted to know where it was,” says Lorraine Ettingshausen.

It turns out the watercolour, that used to hang in the front foyer of the Hospital, has had pride of place in the front office of Kiama Meals on Wheels for years.

“I was having lunch after the ANZAC ceremony, and someone told me they thought they knew where it was,” says Margaret Raison.

“I was so excited I went up and tried to peek through the blinds.”

Joanne North, Manager of Kiama Meals on Wheels, says it was packed up when they ceased operating from the kitchen at the rear of Barroul House.

“It was in dreadful condition, covered in mould and with a broken frame, and one of our volunteers, Betty Dallimore, had it restored and repaired.

“We thought it a great way to recognise the history of our organisation at our new location in Brown St.”

Now that it has been found, in plain sight, Margaret and Lorraine are happy for it to stay where it is.

“We were just wanting to know where it had gone,” says Lorraine.

“It is so wonderful it has been looked after, and we are happy for it to stay here where it can be appreciated.”

Kiama Meals on Wheels is always looking for more volunteers to help deliver their service – call 4232 3735 or email kiamamow@bigpond.net.au

The book on the social history of Kiama Hospital is available from the Library, the Kiama Medical Practice and the Tourism office.