This morning, the Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) community stood together in mourning and remembrance to honour the life and legacy of Dr Lucie Shanahan at a public memorial service held at the Albury Entertainment Centre.
Dr Shanahan was a deeply respected healthcare executive, academic, and public health leader whose impact on communities across our region was both significant and enduring. She began her career as a Speech Pathologist at Mt Alexander Hospital, before relocating to Albury-Wodonga in 2009. From the outset, she played a key role in the formation and evolution of our cross-border health service, work that would shape care delivery for years to come.
Over her distinguished career at AWH, Dr Shanahan held several senior roles, including Executive Director of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Chief Allied Health Officer. She guided the organisation through some of its most complex challenges - most notably the COVID-19 pandemic - where her steady leadership, strategic insight, and compassion were instrumental in supporting both staff and community.
Alongside her executive contributions, Dr Shanahan was a dedicated academic and educator. She completed a Doctor of Philosophy, taught at Charles Sturt University, and was a published researcher whose work strengthened applied health research and supported the growth of the regional health workforce through teaching, mentoring, and system development.
Dr Shanahan’s legacy is defined by her integrity, clarity of purpose, and a steadfast commitment to equitable access to high-quality care for our region. Her influence continues to shape public health strategy, mental health service delivery, and allied health leadership across the health system.
AWH CEO, Bill Appleby, reflected on her profound personal and professional impact:
“Lucie embodied what it means to serve with heart, helping shape the direction, the culture, and the resilience of Albury Wodonga Health. She led with humility, wisdom and quiet determination, but also with kindness, humour and a deep sense of responsibility to her community.”
Her legacy endures in the people she supported, the teams she strengthened, and the countless ways she enriched this organisation. We honour not only what she achieved, but the extraordinary person she was.
AWH Board Chair, Jon Green, also paid tribute, acknowledging the breadth of her contribution:
“Our health service is built on the strength of our people, and Lucie was one of those rare individuals who made AWH stronger simply by being part of it. She brought clarity, calm and purpose to complex challenges, and she always looked for the good in others. Today, we honour not just her achievements, but the way she lifted those around her.”
As part of the memorial, attendees were invited to share messages, stories and reflections on Lucie’s digital message board - a growing collection of tributes that speaks to the depth of connection she fostered across the region. The page will remain open for contributions in the coming weeks.
In recognition of Lucie’s commitment to community, and her love of colour and creativity, guests also contributed to a collaborative artwork created using her favourite colours. Each thumbprint added to the canvas symbolises the collective hands and hearts of the AWH community. Once complete, the artwork will be displayed within the hospital as a lasting tribute to Lucie’s spirit and enduring impact.
To further honour her legacy, AWH will establish a scholarship in Dr Shanahan’s name for allied health professionals, supporting future leaders in the field she so passionately championed.
AWH extends its heartfelt thanks to all who attended or contributed to today’s service. Lucie’s warmth, generosity, and dedication will remain woven through the fabric of Albury Wodonga Health - a legacy of leadership and kindness that will continue to guide health services on the Border for years to come.
Bill shared a message that Lucie herself wrote to the AWH community, in her final few weeks:
“My observations are that ultimately everyone wants the same thing.
For AWH to provide the best facilities for the community and care close to home.
To achieve this, we have to stop fighting between ourselves - one is not better than the other.
Be curious, not judgemental, support one another, and be happy to be the underdog.
We have an opportunity to be a premier health service; by picking the best from each state - this is our advantage. Use it and remember why you are here.
I have worked in health for a long time and met many great people over that time. Don’t be afraid to let people work in a way that is authentic for them, to help them be the best they can.
AWH has a lot of skilled people all trying to do the best they can - work together and be proud of what you do.
Thank you for the opportunity to have worked with you all.”
Dr. Lucie Shanahan