Much-loved Clarence Health Service General Manager Dan Madden hung up his boots on 4 February to begin his long-awaited retirement.
First joining the NNSWLHD in 2003 as General Manager at Lismore Base Hospital, Dan later transferred to Grafton where he has served as Clarence General Manager for the past 15 years.
After years of guiding his team with equal parts wisdom, patience and the occasional raised eyebrow, Dan is heading off to a well-earned life of freedom.
Before finishing up, Dan has spent weeks handing over responsibilities to incoming General Manager Anthony Williams.
Acknowledging the legacy
By Sharon Wright, Clarence Director of Nursing and Midwifery, on behalf of their team
After more than four decades of dedicated service, unwavering leadership and a profound commitment to patient‑centred care, Dan Madden, our esteemed Clarence General Manager, is retiring. This moment marks the end of an extraordinary chapter – not only for Dan but for the staff, patients and broader communities he has served.
Healthcare was a natural fit for Dan because people were a natural fit. Training as a Registered Nurse at Concord in Sydney, his career began in 1982. He undertook roles as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Unit Manager, After Hours Nurse Manager, managed projects and acted in the Director of Nursing role.
In 1995 he accepted a role in Gisborne, New Zealand, becoming the first Director of Nursing for that service before later stepping into the General Manager role. Returning to Australia in 2003, he became Lismore Base Hospital General Manager. After a major restructure in 2010, Dan moved to Grafton, where he has served as Clarence Health Service General Manager ever since. He has also relieved in other GM roles across the LHD.
With a keen eye for numbers and a strong grasp of clinical and organisational priorities, Dan has guided staff and communities through growth, innovation and challenge. Under his leadership, Clarence has seen major service expansion, increased activity and ongoing redevelopment. His commitment to clinical quality and work health and safety has supported Clarence’s strong accreditation outcomes.
Above all, Dan is a people person. Naturally quiet but deeply engaged, he connects easily with staff, families and community members. He is known for speaking up when needed and for advocating strongly for his services. He has always supported his team to grow, recognising strengths and encouraging new opportunities. His open‑door policy and interest in staff wellbeing helped build a cohesive executive team that could debate, plan and share lighter moments together.
Many describe Dan as steady in a crisis, generous with praise and committed to doing what is right for both staff and patients.
The wider Clarence community has felt his influence. Dan actively supported the United Hospital Auxiliaries in Grafton and Maclean, attending meetings and special events, aware of the vital contribution volunteers make. He also championed the development of Community Advisory Groups in Clarence and Maclean, strengthening the community voice in local healthcare decision‑making.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude for Dan’s service and wish him joy, rest, new motorbike adventures and the occasional spot of fishing. Dan’s gentle approach and dedication to service will not be forgotten.
