Celebrating family ties at SMHS
Lindelwa Dube and her dad, Archie Mabutyana.
South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) has over 9,200 employees, and it just so happens that a fair few of them are related!
This Father’s Day, we showcase some fathers who inspired their children to join the SMHS family (and vice versa), and hear from their children about what makes their dad special.
Happy Father’s Day to all our SMHS dads, along with all the dads, grandads, and father-figures who make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Archie Mabutyana and Lindelwa Dube
ICU Registered Nurse Lindelwa Dube spent the early years of her career on the surgical ward working alongside her dad, Archie.
“My dad is so great at his job,” Lindelwa said.
“I learnt so much when we worked together on the ward, and I still give him a call now and again if I’m unsure of something.
“I love absolutely everything about my dad. I’ve never met anyone so kind, compassionate and gentle, and I don’t say that just because he’s my dad.”
Peter and Brett Morris
Brett Morris joined the SMHS family in 2001 when he began working at Fremantle Hospital (FH). Currently Nurse Manager of the Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) Nurse Corporate team, Brett was thrilled in 2019 when his father, Peter, and his mother joined FSH as volunteers.
“Dad has always been someone to go out of his way to help others, so it’s only natural he’s a volunteer now that he’s retired,” Brett said.
“I think his willingness to do anything for his family and friends is something I have always admired.
“My favourite thing about dad is his sense of humour – there are always laughs when we are together.
“He is just a good bloke and I’m proud that he also happens to be my Dad.”
Andrew and Jayden Kirby
Patient Support Services runs in the Kirby family genes, with Andrew and his son Jayden working for the FH team.
Andrew joined the SMHS team over 40 years ago and since inspired his son to get involved.
“His work ethic is really inspirational,” Jayden said.
“I feel like I represent not only the hospital when I’m here, but my dad as well, and that pushes me to be the best I can be at the job.
“My favourite thing about my dad is his sense of humour – he is always down to crack a joke and make the people around him smile.”
Paul, Ethan and Jacob Lee
Paul Lee has been a Nurse Unit Manager at Murray District Hospital since 2019, having worked at RGH for 11 years before that. His dedication to the job inspired two of his three sons to join in on the SMHS family fun.
His son Jacob began volunteering at RGH’s Elenora’s Café in 2017 and has served up top quality burgers ever since. His son Ethan recently completed his nursing placement at RGH and is in his final year of study at Notre Dame University.
“My favourite thing about dad is that he is loving and caring, fixes everything, and he likes to wind people up! That last bit is also my least favourite thing,” Jacob said.
“Dad is a great role model, always demonstrating discipline and always striving to better himself,” Ethan said.
“He has a caring nature and is always putting everyone first – I couldn't ask for a better father.”
“He taught me to always try my best and focus on what’s in front of me.”
John and Lucas Olynyk
Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr John Olynyk started his career as an intern at FH in 1985, so it’s no surprise his children have become involved with SMHS too!
After some encouragement from his dad, Lucas began his SMHS journey in the FH mailroom in 2013. He has since joined the FSH Medical Workforce team and has been upskilling ever since.
“My favourite thing about my dad is his willingness to commit time to help me and my siblings,” Lucas said.
“He always offers to help before we even ask.”
Michael and Ben Welding
Security Officer Michael Welding has been working hard at Rockingham General Hospital (RGH) since 2013. In 2017 he was thrilled when his son Ben joined the RGH team as a Health Information Management Services (HIMS) Officer.
“It’s great to meet-up with dad for a coffee and a chat at work, especially to catch-up on the soccer news,” Ben said.
“I love that he is such a supportive and encouraging dad and granddad to my two little girls.
“He is such a hardworking, proud man with a great sense of humour – he will do anything for anyone and always goes out of his way to help others.”
Julio and Eric Gonzalez
Julio Gonzalez is a Patient Support Assistant at FH and a huge motivator for his son, Eric.
Eric started as a Food Service Attendant at FH a few months ago and is consistently inspired by his dad’s hard-working attitude and dedication to his job.
“Having my dad around at work is a privilege,” Eric said.
“He is always happy to help me understand the workplace and the best way to do things.”.
“My favourite thing about my dad is that he works very hard to get the job done, and once it’s done, he goes back for more.
“He taught me to always try my best and focus on what’s in front of me.”
