Afresh chapter is beckoning in the life of local Red Cross executive David Walshaw.
After nearly three years as the Limestone Coast and Riverland regional services manager, his resignation and subsequent retirement takes effect on June 30.
From his base in Mount Gambier, Mr Walshaw has overseen six other paid staff as well approximately 150 volunteers.
He decided over Christmas that a mid-year departure was appropriate and has informed management, volunteers and staff well in advance to allow a smooth transition over the coming three months.
A resident of Millicent since 2000, Mr Walshaw has enjoyed his time with the international humanitarian organisation.
Among the Red Cross programs which have received his whole-hearted backing have been the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the Community Passenger Network Program.
Under his watch, Red Cross has added a range of other humanitarian programs specifically dealing with local vulnerability and has worked closely with organisations such as the Stand Like Stone Foundation and the OG Roberts and Co. vehicle dealership.
Mr Walshaw is not certain about what will happen beyond July 1 but pastimes such as ham radio, vintage audio and camping will feature along with family life and volunteering for Red Cross.
Originally from Adelaide, much of Mr Walshaw’s prior working life was spent as a senior public servant in the capital city.
A taste of country life beckoned 22 years ago when the position of Millicent Hospital chief executive became vacant.
His wife Sandy hailed from Whyalla on Eyre Peninsula while a rural lifestyle also appealed to their infant children Hannah and Henry.
Mr Walshaw quickly became fully involved in community life as Master of the Millicent Masonic Lodge, chairman of the St Anthony’s Catholic School Board and award-winning coach of the Millicent Football Club Under 18 and Under 16 teams.
“During my five years at the helm of Millicent Hospital, the $3.5m 30-bed expansion of the Sheoak Lodge aged care facility was completed on time and on budget,” Mr Walshaw said.
“Other achievements at Millicent were the new nursery and neo-natal suite upgrade, renovations to private rooms and an expansion of surgical services.”
SA Health promoted Mr Walshaw to the position of Limestone Coast Health Regional Director and he held this key role for nearly five years overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Mount Gambier, Millicent, Penola and Kingston Hospitals as well as the South East Regional Community Health Service and the Mount Gambier Private Hospital.
In this role, Mr Walshaw brought stability to the health services and increased their service delivery though a range of additional clinical services.
It was followed by stints as Limestone Coast Division of General Practice chief executive and RSL Care chief operating officer.
No doubt, Mr Walshaw will be a passionate worker in whatever comes his way in the years ahead.
Red Cross state director Jai O’Toole said Mr Walshaw has been a highly valued member of the Red Cross leadership team and has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for the organisation to respond to local communities needs across the region.
“Fortunately, David has committed to continuing being involved with Red Cross, albeit in a reduced capacity as he enters into retirement,” Mr O’Toole said.
“You will still hopefully see David out and about in the Red Cross cars, at events and other activities within the local community.
“Recruitment for his position will commence in late March and I look forward to taking enquiries.”
