Bev Watson: Living with polio - we're still here
Bev contracted Polio in April 1956 at the age of six and a half.
Initially treated in Fairfield Hospital, Bev spent considerable time in Hampton Hospital for rehabilitation. Over the years, school holidays were spent at Lady Dugan Home. More rehabilitation, equipment checks and hours of Physio were part of the daily routine.
Bev completed her Leaving Certificate at Preston Technical College and commenced work as a secretary to the Company Secretary of a local car retailer, where she was for four years until her marriage in 1971.
After living in the eastern suburbs for four years, Bev moved to Woodend in 1975. She has three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Following the end of her marriage, Bev commenced Tertiary study in 1990 and in 1996 completed her Bachelor of Social Work. She has worked in the fields of Mental Health Support, General Counselling, Relationship Counselling and Community Development and was employed as the Access & Inclusion Co-ordinator with the Moorabool Shire Council for 11 years until her retirement in 2021.
Bev is Convenor of the Bendigo Polio Support Group, Chair of Polio Network Victoria. She is the PNV rep on the Board of Polio Australia and still lives in Woodend.
Initially treated in Fairfield Hospital, Bev spent considerable time in Hampton Hospital for rehabilitation. Over the years, school holidays were spent at Lady Dugan Home. More rehabilitation, equipment checks and hours of Physio were part of the daily routine.
Bev completed her Leaving Certificate at Preston Technical College and commenced work as a secretary to the Company Secretary of a local car retailer, where she was for four years until her marriage in 1971.
After living in the eastern suburbs for four years, Bev moved to Woodend in 1975. She has three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Following the end of her marriage, Bev commenced Tertiary study in 1990 and in 1996 completed her Bachelor of Social Work. She has worked in the fields of Mental Health Support, General Counselling, Relationship Counselling and Community Development and was employed as the Access & Inclusion Co-ordinator with the Moorabool Shire Council for 11 years until her retirement in 2021.
Bev is Convenor of the Bendigo Polio Support Group, Chair of Polio Network Victoria. She is the PNV rep on the Board of Polio Australia and still lives in Woodend.