Palliative Care NSW wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of Therese Smeal, who after an incredible tenure, stepped down from the Management Committee at our AGM on Wednesday 26th November.
For 26 years Therese has been a dedicated member of Palliative Care NSW, serving in various roles on the Management Committee for 18 of those, including time as both President and Vice President. Her leadership has helped shaped the organisation to what it is today, strengthening relationships with NSW Health and stakeholders across NSW while advancing advocacy for palliative care across the state. Her commitment to our vision and purpose has never wavered.
Felicity Burns, President of Palliative Care NSW, shared:
“Palliative Care NSW, our members and the sector have greatly benefited from the wealth of experience that Therese has. Therese, we sincerely thank you for your significant support of the organisation, our members, the sector, your fellow committee members and the team. You have always been so generous with your time and your commitment to our vision and purpose has never wavered. I also want to personally acknowledge the support you have given me as I stepped onto the committee and then into the role of President. You have been an important part of the organisation’s journey and will always remain a valued friend of Palliative Care NSW.”
A Career of Impact
Therese’s remarkable journey in palliative care began in Western Sydney in the early 1980s at Parramatta Hospital, home to one of the first palliative care wards – operating within a new satellite medical oncology service.
In 1988, Therese moved into community-based specialist palliative care as a Palliative Care CNC with the Sydney Home Nursing Service. This period not only strengthened her skills but also cemented her lifelong commitment to community palliative care and supporting patients and families where they live.
Throughout the mid-1980s and early 1990s Therese pursued postgraduate studies at Cumberland College of Health Sciences, the NSW College of Nursing, and the Australian Catholic University—studies she balanced while continuing her clinical work in Western Sydney until 2010.
Therese’s role as District Nurse Coordinator/CNC3 evolved to work across the then larger combined SSWLHD (Sydney and South Western Sydney ) when Therese would travel from Balmain to Bowral and everything in between. LHDs separated again 5 years later.
Today in SWSLHD, Therese contributes significantly to the professional development of nurses, leading the ABC of nursing workshops that provide education for any RN interested in developing the skills in palliative and end-of-life care as well as the development of a New Graduate Nursing program in SWS.
Therese’s colleague and close friend, Janeane Harlum, District Palliative Care Manager at SWSLHD, reflected:
“Therese leads by example and encourages nurses to develop skills in critical thinking and reflection, research and sharing work through conference presentations. Her humour, social organising skills, willingness to support others—and even her spoon-playing talents—are appreciated and valued by many. She is a friend to many and a respected senior leader in palliative care.”
A Lasting Legacy
Therese’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements. She has been a tireless advocate for palliative care. Her generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on Palliative Care NSW and the broader palliative care sector.
Therese, the experience and wisdom you have generously shared over the years will continue to guide the organisation long into the future.
Thank you, Therese, for everything. You will always be a valued friend of Palliative Care NSW.