A taste of Harmony at Nepean Laboratory

July 29, 2025 by Kristy Waddell Leave a Comment

There’s something magical about the way food can bridge cultures, spark conversations, and foster genuine connection— and this was on full display at our Nepean Laboratory’s recent “Taste of Harmony” multicultural lunch.

Staff from across all departments recently gathered to share dishes from their heritage, showcasing flavours and traditions from around the world.

From aromatic Biryani of India and Bangladesh to the sweet crunch of Appeltaart from the Netherlands, the event was a spectacular journey across continents—without needing a passport or leaving the tearoom!

Dave Gomez, Nepean’s Pre-Analytical Lab Manager said the multicultural lunch was a special way to celebrate the diversity of the Nepean team.

“It gives everyone a chance to share food from their background, connect with one another and learn about each other’s culture”.”

Collector, Daniel Phanthana agreed.

“Food is the universal language; it brings us together to celebrate each other’s culture,” he said.

Colleagues Hiral Patal and Avaniben Joshi from the Pre-Analytical Department echoed this sentiment, noting how the event not only celebrated global cuisines but also brought staff from different departments together in new ways.

Some of the mouthwatering dishes included:

Katta & Seeni Sambal, Fish Cutlets, Milk Rice and Koksi from Sri Lanka.
Samosa and Gulab Jamun & Biryani from India and Bangladesh.
Chicken Adobo, Pichi Pichi, Sisig, Empanada and Ube Halaya cake from The Philippines.
Rocky Road, Pavlova & Caramel Slice from Australia.
Momo from Nepal
Manto from Afghanistan
Persian Sohan Gaz and organic dates from Iraq

A big thank you to Estelle Baldomero and Norlita Torres for organising and decorating.

Congratulations to the team at our Nepean Laboratory for organising such a wonderful event that brought so many people together!

Nepean Taste of Harmony lunch — It was a full house as staff feasted on dishes from all around the world

Take a look inside the NSW Health Statewide Biobank

July 26, 2025 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

The NSW Health Statewide Biobank is a state-of-the-art facility that offers biobanking services to the research community. NSW Health Pathology is proud to be managing this vital service.

The NSW Health Statewide Biobank was created through a partnership between the Office for Health and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure, to support and enable world-class health and medical research in NSW.

Examples of supported research studies include clinical trials, oncology precision medicine research and cardiovascular disease research.

Our ISO9001-certified and purpose-built facility, located in the heart of a renowned research hub at the Professor Marie Bashir Centre at Camperdown, is the first and largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

We offer technology to safely process and store over three million samples for health and medical research.

A woman speaking in front of a large group of people wearing visitor name tags. — Prof Jennifer Byrne hosting a group of visitors to the Biobank in 2024.

Director of Biobanking-NSW Health, Prof Jennifer Byrne says it’s a huge responsibility and privilege to be supporting such a wide array of samples and specimen types.

“The Statewide Biobank aims to be the preferred partner for biomedical and clinical researchers across NSW, by offering high-quality, accessible and affordable biobanking services that are tailored to research needs. Over the past year, the Statewide Biobank received almost 100,000 new samples and is currently supporting 38 research projects.

“It’s an incredible resource for the people of NSW.”

The Statewide Biobank provides a range of services to support research projects, clinical trials and biospecimen collections anywhere in NSW, including:
• sample collection at NSW Health Pathology collection sites across the state
• sample processing (such as fractionation, PBMC isolation, DNA/RNA extraction)
• sample storage at room temperature, ‑80C or in vapour phase liquid nitrogen
• other services such as slide scanning, and tissue microarray creation

A test tube held by a robotic arm, backlit with a green light. — World-class technology ensures samples are safely stored and processed at the Biobank.

Our tailored services support high quality and cost-effective research, which can lead to improvements in patient outcomes and better health for the people of NSW.

We also support the NSW biobanking community with a range of education and training, operational, research and best practice tools, including:
• NSW Biobank Certification Program
• NSW Health Statewide Biobank seminars
• Standard operating procedures, templates and agreements
• Health biobank support and collaboration
• Biobanking publications

For more information, please visit our website: https://biobank.health.nsw.gov.au/

Or call us on 02 4920 4139 or email [email protected]

A woman in a white lab coat shows a group of people some of the high-tech equipment at the Biobank. — Scientist Kiki Li showing a tour group around the Biobank.

Pitching the benefits of a career in pathology and forensics

July 24, 2025 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

Our flagship medical recruitment event – the annual Meet and Greet – was held at our Westmead educational precinct this month and was bigger and better than ever.

More than 50 trainees, junior doctors and medical students heard from current trainees about what to expect from a career in Anatomical Pathology and Forensic Pathology.

AP Training Coordinator, A/Prof Lisa Parker says each of the more than 20 training laboratories gave a short presentation on job opportunities at NSW Health Pathology.

“It was great to see such interest and enthusiasm, and we look forward to receiving applications from prospective candidates who are keen to pursue pathology as a career,” Lisa said.

“One of the things I really like about this role is seeing the trainees graduate. As I arrived at the Meet and Greet event this morning, I ran into one of the graduates from last year.

“She’s now working here at Westmead Hospital as a new consultant and she’s really enjoying it. It’s really rewarding to see that.”

Lisa says becoming an anatomical pathologist is a great career option for people who love problem solving.

“It’s a bit like being a detective, a bit like doing cryptic crosswords – so anybody who enjoys that intense problem-solving activity will enjoy this as a career.”

Staff Specialist Dr Angie Harris is an anatomical pathologist with a special interest in paediatrics based at Prince of Wales Hospital and spoke to the trainees at the event.

“It’s a great chance to find out what goes on behind the lab doors and discover that pathologists are actually real and interesting people and tell them a little bit about our day to day working life,” she said.

“I love my job working in pathology so it’s always a real treat to share that.

“The number of applicants for the training program is growing each year and there seems to be greater interest in pathology, which is great to see.”

NSW Health Pathology employs between 20 and 30 new trainees in Anatomical Pathology across the state each year.

Find out more about our Anatomical Pathology training program here.

Hayley goes above and beyond to help grieving families after the loss of a baby

July 21, 2025 by Kristy Waddell Leave a Comment

⚠️Content warning – this story discusses infant loss.

Senior Forensic Mortuary Technician at NSW Health Pathology’s Forensic & Analytical Science Service at Lidcombe, Hayley Mitrevski, has won a Healthcare Heroes Award for her important work supporting grieving parents after the loss of a baby.

Hayley introduced a new initiative, casting the feet of babies who go through the mortuary to provide parents with a tangible keepsake of their child. It’s a wonderful, heartfelt gesture carrying the weight of a lifetime of love.

Hayley has also trained her fellow technicians in the process, ensuring the service continues when she takes maternity leave herself.

In July, Hayley Mitrevski was announced as the latest winner of Dr Woof Apparel’s Healthcare Hero Awards, and it’s not hard to see why.

In a profession that most of us could never imagine stepping into, Hayley shows up every day not just to do her job, but to bring a small measure of comfort to families at their most heartbreaking moment.

Working in the Forensic Medicine and Coroner’s Court at Lidcombe, Hayley recognised a quiet gap in how healthcare systems support grieving parents after the loss of a baby.

Instead of accepting the status quo, she introduced a new initiative: with the consent of the families, she lovingly casts the feet of babies who pass through the facility, and sends the casts home to parents as a tender, tangible keepsake, entirely free of charge.

“I spent a 12-month secondment working at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine which really shaped the experience I have today. They introduced me to the concept of this type of memorabilia which led me to bring back this knowledge and apply it within NSW Health Pathology’s Forensic Medicine facilities,” Hayley said.

“We already implement memorabilia in the form of ink prints however I felt as technicians we could give back further and really create a tangible keepsake. I surveyed families through surveys I’ve conducted, who expressed they couldn’t thank us enough. Many families are often too wrapped in their grief and sometimes don’t even think about memorabilia possibilities at the time,” Hayley said.

“Sometimes it’s already too late to do so – or families may not be able to afford the cost of professional companies due to such an unexpected loss. I didn’t want those families to miss out on something they at least now have an option to have,” she said.

And while that alone would be extraordinary, Hayley didn’t stop there.

Two ladies in green scrubs smile for the camera — Hayley Mitrevski and Abby-Lee Honeysett are Forensic Mortuary Technicians at NSW Health Pathology.

She’s also trained her fellow technicians in the process, ensuring the service continues when she takes maternity leave herself.

Hayley was nominated by colleague Abby-Lee Honeysett who said Hayley wanted families to have a memento to remind them of their little baby because you don’t get a lot of time to say goodbye, so these memories are so important for the grieving process.

Hayley is a shining example of NSW Health Pathology’s RITES Values – Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Safety. She provides care, connection, and genuine compassion for people going through an unimaginable time.

The award, which is run by medical fashion label Dr Woof Apparel, recognises the hard-working legends of Australia’s healthcare system, from nurses and GPs to emergency workers, pathology staff and more.

See Hayley’s reaction when she won.

Congratulations on this award Hayley. Thanks for creating this important legacy, and bringing humanity and heart to all families who encounter our forensic medicine services.

Meet Ethan. A trainee with his heart in healthcare

July 8, 2025 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

Ethan Edwards has just started a two-year traineeship with NSW Health Pathology at our John Hunter Hospital Laboratory in Newcastle. His connection with the hospital is the reason he’s chosen to pursue a career in health.

At 22, Ethan Edwards was already familiar with Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital before he started working for NSW Health Pathology this year.

A proud Awabakal man, Ethan joined our traineeship program for people from marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them a chance to get started in a rewarding career in health.

“Growing up, I experienced periods of homelessness, and my family had struggles with drugs and alcohol. I am also a Type 1 diabetic, so I was admitted to hospital a fair bit,” Ethan said.

“I ended up at John Hunter Hospital at the age of 11 and was taken into care.

“Although for me being in hospital was hard, I remember the staff were always kind and caring.

“I think that’s where the idea of working in healthcare started, just knowing that I wanted to give back and give that same support and care to people going through a hard time.”

Starting a traineeship

After finishing school, Ethan began work as a kitchen hand at John Hunter Hospital through HealthShare and later moved to an admin role in the maternity ward with Hunter New England Local Health District.

When the opportunity came up to start a traineeship in pathology, Ethan was excited at the chance to do some hands-on work in the laboratory.

“It’s a two-year traineeship and although I’ve just started learning about all the different areas of the lab, I am keen to stay working in pathology once the traineeship is over.

“I like knowing that the laboratory work is helping patients, even though it’s behind the scenes.

“People ask me if it’s difficult working in the same hospital where I spent so much time as a kid, but I think it’s helped me move on from that trauma and realise it’s a positive place where I can move forward and grow.”

What NAIDOC Week means to me

Ethan says NAIDOC Week is a great chance for all Australians to learn more about First Nations culture in their local region and celebrate alongside the Indigenous community.

“My connection to Awabakal country here in Newcastle is very important,” he said.

“I meet regularly with local Elders and go to local schools to talk to the students about what it means to be Aboriginal and help them learn more about their culture.”

A group of people gathered in a room. — The trainees working at John Hunter Hospital, with their support team. Back row: Darian Preece, Anastasia Jarmain, Ethan Edwards, Tara Healey, Andy Mainey, Nickie Mullin
Front: Amber Cumming (NSWHP Talent Acquisition Specialist), Jodie Barnes.

Aboriginal Education and Initiatives Consultant at NSW Health Pathology, Darian Preece says the traineeships are all about ensuring people who might otherwise be overlooked get a chance to start a career.

“Ethan has a really strong future in pathology and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes him,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with all our new trainees here at John Hunter Hospital and the other sites across the state. It’s all about supporting them and making sure they can fulfill their potential.

“We want the workforce here at NSW Health Pathology to better reflect the communities we live in. That’s how we get better health outcomes for patients and a more diverse and effective workforce.”

NSW Health Pathology is proud of its traineeship program offering opportunities for Aboriginal people, people living with a disability, young people and other marginalised or disadvantaged groups.

In 2024, 21 traineeships were offered and the 2025 intake has seen 35 trainees placed in metropolitan and regional areas of NSW in Central Specimen Reception, Collections, Administration and Laboratories.

Fulfilling a childhood dream to work in forensics

July 7, 2025 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation and appointment to a full-time role of intern Sabrina Cox, who joined our Forensic & Analytical Science Service in 2024.

Sabrina is a proud Wiradjuri woman and says she has always dreamed of becoming a forensic scientist.

“I’ve always been interested in forensic science since I was a little girl, which probably sounds strange, but I grew up watching crime shows and it was something that fascinated me,” she says.

Sabrina has managed to turn that interest into reality.

She joined NSW Health Pathology’s Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS) in 2024 as part of the organisation’s Indigenous internship program.

Sabrina recently graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in forensic science.

“I was so excited to be studying this degree. I loved the course. The classes were interesting, and it was great to meet new people with the same passion for forensic science.

“I began working as a Technical Assistant in the FASS Receipt Unit last year, and I am so grateful to have had that chance to get my foot in the door.”

She’s looking forward to progressing her career in forensics and says there are lots of opportunities for growth at FASS.

“I’d love to eventually work my way up to a Scientific Officer position in the Forensic Biology/DNA laboratory.

“In the Receipt Unit, everyone gets trained in all the different labs, so being trained in the DNA lab as a Technical Assistant has allowed me to experience a little bit of what it’s like up there.

“I’d need a lot more experience to become a Scientific Officer obviously, but that’s my end goal.”

Manager of the FASS Receipt Unit, Emily Duncan says the internship has proved to be a great success.

“Sabrina has been a really great addition to our team and I am thrilled she now has a permanent position,” Emily said.

“The Receipt Unit is the entry point for most samples coming into the laboratories here at FASS and we also provide technical support to the laboratories. Sabrina is making a positive contribution towards a very vital role in our organisation and has demonstrated her ability and enthusiasm to learn, and also to adapt to the many challenges that arise within working in our team.

“I believe Sabrina has a bright future in the organisation, and I wish her well in achieving her goal to progress into a Scientific Officer role in the Forensic Biology/DNA laboratory.”

A woman and a man standing outside a building. — Sabrina and Kevin in the early days of her internship at the FASS site in Lidcombe.

Sabrina says she’s very thankful for the support of her FASS colleagues, along with NSW Health Pathology’s Associate Director of Aboriginal Partnerships and Inclusion Kevin Stanley.

“Kevin is brilliant and I’m so grateful that he works so hard to create these opportunities.

“I think the Indigenous internship program will help a lot of people who don’t know how to pursue this sort of career and encourage more people to consider studying science.

“It’s important for people to realise there are really interesting jobs available at the end of your degree.”

Kevin says the internship program is all about attracting more diverse talent to the organisation.

“We want to better reflect the communities that we serve and NSW Health Pathology is proudly comprised of people from all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, abilities and life experiences,” he said.

“We are continuing to develop internship programs for First Nations people, as well as people living with a disability,” Kevin said.

The organisation also has a strong commitment to its traineeship program, with approximately 40 trainees currently working across its labs and offices in regional and metropolitan areas of NSW.