Like many other Lismore locals, Penelope Anderson wasn't born or educated here. Instead, she moved into the LGA later in life for a change of pace and now proudly calls Lismore home. Maive McKenzie sat down with Penelope to hear about her journey, which includes a passion for nursing and being part of the campaign for nurses to receive a 15% pay rise.

I was born in Perth, right on the western edge of Australia. My dad was in the Navy, so for the first few years of my life, we were on the move quite a bit.

By the time I was five, we had hopped from city to city, even spending a bit of time in England. Eventually, we settled down, and I started primary school on the North Shore in Sydney. My dad worked in health services there, and my mum joined the field once we moved to Central Coast.

(About 3 or 4 years old)

After a few years in Sydney, we made another move—this time to the Central Coast, where I went to high school. I’d say I was pretty fortunate growing up; my parents emphasised the importance of education from a young age, and that’s something that really stuck with me. Those early lessons shaped a lot of my outlook on life and set me up well for the road ahead.

I’ve got two brothers who are still very much a part of my life. My older brother stayed in Sydney, working for the ABC. My younger brother took a different path and headed up to the Gold Coast, where he’s a school teacher and swimming coach. Even though we’ve all ended up in different places, our roots in those early years keep us connected.

(With brothers Richie (left) and Eddie (right))

I always enjoyed school—it was a place where I really found my stride. Math and science were my strong suits, and I think a lot of that came from the influence of my parents. Watching them work in the health and healthcare industry definitely had an impact on me. They were great role models, and seeing their dedication to their work made me appreciate the field more than I probably realised at the time.

I was also a pretty personable kid, which helped me make friends easily. I think that mix of being good with people and having a strong interest in science is what eventually pointed me toward nursing. It just made sense—a career where I could combine those skills and really make a difference. Looking back, it seems like the path was always there, I just had to follow it.

When I was younger, I didn't really have a clear idea of what I wanted to do for a job. Ambition wasn’t something I thought much about back then. I was more focused on the idea of getting out into the world and starting to work. The idea of diving into whatever life had in store for me was exciting enough, and I figured I’d find my way as I went along.

(With Nana Alma (grandmother))

One of my first jobs was at a milk bar on the beach. It was a bit of a dodgy place—poorly managed, and we weren’t exactly treated well. I remember only getting a couple of bucks an hour, so it’s no surprise I didn’t last more than four weeks there. But when a new shopping centre opened up, I managed to land a job as a checkout operator at Woolworths. That’s when I stumbled upon something that would stick with me for a long time: a passion for unions.

At Woolworths, the wages were better, the conditions were fairer, and everything was laid out clearly. The union played a big role in that, making sure the workers were protected. They even offered scholarships to help with education, like buying textbooks, and I was lucky enough to receive one of those. It made a real difference, and I really started to appreciate the power of collective action.

I worked at Woolworths every year until university, but in my final year, I decided to leave the supermarket behind and start working at a nursing home to get some experience in the field I was studying. That’s when I got a real wake-up call—I was shocked to see that people working in aged care were paid less than checkout operators. It didn’t sit right with me, so I joined the nursing union. I wanted to be part of the fight to improve conditions, to make sure that people working in such an important field were treated fairly. 

I also spent nine years in the Army Reserve, where my role was focused on pre-recruitment testing for new recruits. It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. One thing that really struck me was how many people struggled with basic reading and writing skills. Seeing that firsthand was a real wake-up call for me.

It made me realise just how crucial education is, and how many people don’t get the opportunities they deserve. That’s when I decided to get involved with sponsoring kids through The Smith Family, helping underprivileged kids get access to education. It’s become a big passion of mine because I know how important education has been in my own life, and I want to share that with others. Helping people, especially through education, is something that gives me a sense of purpose.

Originally, after high school, I decided to study science. But it didn’t take long for me to realise that spending so much time in a lab just wasn’t for me. It felt too isolated, and I knew I needed something different. So, I dropped out, took some time to figure things out, and eventually went back to study nursing instead. That decision felt right—it gave me the balance I was looking for between working with people and using my interest in science in a more hands-on way.

One of the key experiences that really shaped me was the first rally I ever attended. It was a protest against the introduction of HECS because, before that, university was free. I didn’t want HECS to become a burden on future generations or create a barrier for people wanting to go to uni. That rally was a turning point for me. It inspired me to get involved in fighting for a common cause, and it sparked a deep passion for social justice. It made me realise how fortunate I was and motivated me to stand up for others who might not have the same opportunities.

After finishing my degree, I spent about 15 years working at a hospital in Sydney. Eventually, though, life took a bit of a turn—my husband and I decided to move up to this area and buy a small property in Nimbin for a lifestyle change and enjoyed the change of pace. We enjoyed an amazing ten years on the property before we decided to part ways about two years ago. After that, I moved closer into Lismore, where I’ve settled down since.

(The Nimbin property)

Being in the Nursing union has been a huge part of my life, and it's something I’m really passionate about. But it’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve stepped into a leadership role. One of the biggest issues we’re facing as nurses is the pay. Nurses in NSW are earning less than those doing the same job in Victoria and Queensland, and as a result, we’ve been seeing a lot of nurses quitting and leaving NSW for better pay in other states.

It’s left us in a tough spot—we’re desperate, working overtime and doing more just to keep up with patient demands and make ends meet. The situation has really driven home the importance of our fight for fair wages and better conditions. It’s a struggle, but it’s one I’m determined to keep pushing for, especially now that I’m in a position to make more of an impact.

This issue is especially problematic because nursing has one of the largest female workforces, yet we’re still undervalued and underpaid. If the government were truly serious about addressing the gender pay gap, they’d put their money where their mouth is and ensure better wages for a profession dominated by women. It’s frustrating to see the lack of progress when the solution seems so obvious—fair pay for a workforce that’s essential to our healthcare system.

We’ve really been feeling the pinch lately, with our wages effectively going backward to what they were in 2008. With limited staff, increasing demand, and low pay, many of us are working 50-60 hours a week just to keep up. It’s exhausting.

My current job title is Clinical Nurse Educator - I teach nurses on the ward at the bedside with patients. Mostly newly graduated nurses but also any qualified nurse wanting to learn a new skill. On top of that, I’m picking up overtime shifts. It’s both physically demanding and emotionally draining. Our work is crucial, yet it doesn’t feel valued in any tangible way, and that’s a tough pill to swallow.

(My work crew)

The biggest challenge I’ve faced at work is the overwhelming demand of the system. With our current heavy workloads, it’s incredibly difficult to provide the level of care we were trained to give. We’re often juggling ten tasks but only have time to tackle six, forcing us to prioritise where we shouldn’t have to.

On top of that, management heaps on administrative tasks that might look good on paper for audits and performance indicators but just add to our workload. While I understand the need for audits and such, it sometimes feels like the priority is ticking boxes rather than genuinely caring for our patients. The situation is made even more difficult because patients are getting sicker, and we have less time to provide care, all while feeling undervalued.

Even though the government has introduced measures to increase staffing in emergency, there’s been no substantial pay rise. This lack of incentive means that nurses often leave for better pay across the border, where they can find more staff, less need for overtime, and a more manageable workload. It’s a tough situation, and it’s hard to see a way out when the system feels so stacked against us.

Outside of work, I’ve got a few interests and hobbies that really keep me going. One of my biggest passions is my garden. I absolutely love spending time out there, growing my own food and getting my hands dirty. It’s incredibly satisfying to see something you’ve nurtured turn into a delicious meal.

(A homegrown cauliflower)

I’m also really into walking and running. I hit up the Lismore Parkrun every Saturday—it’s such a great little community, and I always look forward to it. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed tackling word games and puzzles in my free time. They’re a fun way to unwind and keep my brain active.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my career revolve around the idea that everyone has a story, and every person, no matter who they are, deserves help and care. While working in Sydney, I specialised in melanoma, and it really hit home that cancer doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re old or young, rich or poor, black or white, cancer affects everyone equally. This experience reinforced the importance of providing good care, valuing health, and making the most out of every day.

Looking back at my career path so far, I’m most proud of achieving my Master’s degree. It’s been a significant milestone, and I’m really happy with where I am in my job. I truly enjoy what I’m doing. Finishing my Master’s has been a major accomplishment, and it’s been quite a journey. The past 3-4 years have been dominated by studying, and it feels a bit surreal now that it’s finally come to an end. No more assignments hanging over me—just the satisfaction of having completed something I’m passionate about.

I don’t have many concrete plans for the future right now. Instead, I’m focusing on enjoying my space and the time I have. I’ve made so many big decisions and achieved a lot, and at this point, I’m happy to just savour life as it is. Sometimes, it’s nice to take a step back and appreciate the moment without always looking ahead.