December 18, 2025Northern Health staff embraced the festive spirit throughout December, celebrating the holiday season with a variety of fun and engaging activities that brought joy, connection and warmth to every corner of our organisation.
The festivities kicked off with the much-anticipated annual Christmas BBQs held across all Northern Health sites. These gatherings offered staff a chance to pause, come together, and celebrate another remarkable year of caring for our northern community. Adding to the cheer, the Northern Health Community Choir filled the air with vibrant carols at each BBQ, setting a merry soundtrack for the season.
Santa from Pacific Epping also made a heart-warming visit to our Children’s and Maternity Wards, bringing joy and comfort to children and families spending time in hospital during the holidays. Smiles lit up the wards as the man in red greeted little ones, spreading laughter, excitement, and a welcome moment of magic.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Northern Health without our beloved Christmas Decorating Competition. This year, staff from across the organisation truly embraced the challenge, transforming wards, hallways, and offices with tinsel, baubles, and dazzling displays that showcased remarkable creativity and team spirit. Participation was stronger than ever, with teams pouring their hearts into crafting festive spaces that lifted spirits and brought joy to everyone passing through.
From the whimsical world of Shrek land and the enchanting scenes of Christmas Wonderland to the charming Clerical Winter Wonderland, Candy Lanes, Gingerbread Village, and Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, every corner of the organisation offered something unique. Many teams went the extra mile, building hand-made fireplaces, recreating The Night Before Christmas, and designing vibrant Candy Land scenes that delighted staff, patients, and visitors alike. The creativity on display this year truly set a new benchmark for festive fun at Northern Health.
A special mention goes to Larni Koutsofrigas, Coordinator, Support Services, and her talented team of elves, whose creativity and dedication transformed the Northern Hospital Epping foyer into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Using repurposed polystyrene, they handcrafted stunning pieces that not only captured the magic of the season but also championed sustainability. The display, reminiscent of the iconic Myer Christmas windows, became a true showstopper and a source of delight for staff, patients, and visitors alike. Complementing this masterpiece, additional festive items were generously donated by a local Westfield Shopping Centre, helping to create a warm and joyful atmosphere for all who entered.
And here are the winners … (drum roll):
- Northern Hospital Epping (two winners): – Joint Winners – Medical Workforce and NCHER Level 3 (Digital Health)
- Kilmore District Hospital – Maternity Unit
- Bundoora Centre – Ian Brand Residential Aged Care
- Broadmeadows Hospital – Surgical Centre
- Craigieburn Community Hospital together with 230 Cooper Street – Recruitment Team
- Mental Health sites (one winner across all sites) – Ward 7, Northern Hospital Epping
Each winning team will receive $500 into their relevant cost centre in recognition of their standout efforts and creativity.
For the eighth year running, our ISS Facility Services team will continue to spread Christmas magic in the Children’s Ward through their annual ISS Christmas Appeal next week. Thanks to generous donations from our local community, children will receive beautifully wrapped gifts – a tradition lovingly led by Snez Poposka, Facilities Services Manager at ISS, since 2017.
As we wrap up another year, we would like to wish all our staff, volunteers and community members a very Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year. Thank you for your dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care, not just during the festive season, but every day.
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly and Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health.
