Coombs Memorial Unveiled

In March 2023, NCN Health was approached, along with other organisations and community groups, by the Numurkah and District Historical Society to see if we wished to be involved in the 150th anniversary of the gazetting of the Numurkah and Wunghnu townships.

As a health service, we recognised the importance of such a milestone — not only for the town, but for the significant history that connects this community to its health service. Our community and forebears share a long and proud association with this hospital.

Earlier this year, in March, NCN Health held an Open Day to acknowledge this rich history — marking the construction of the War Memorial Hospital in 1957, as well as celebrating 10 years since the reopening of the new hospital buildings following the 2012 floods.

About the Coombs Memorial Drive
The original Coombs Memorial Drive sign, which you can see pictured on the plaque, dates back to the 1950s. It was taken down from near this site when the road was widened in the 1990s. The original sign is now proudly displayed at the Numurkah and District Historical Society.
This new memorial sign has been erected as part of the 150th celebrations of the gazetting of Numurkah and Wunghnu — and represents NCN Health’s contribution and legacy project to these important community milestones.

About Dr Francis Syndal Coombs
This memorial drive was named in honour of Dr Francis Syndal Coombs.
Dr Coombs practised in Katamatite for 13 years before taking over Dr Parker’s Numurkah Medical Practice in 1939. He was qualified in both pharmacy and medicine, and often dispensed his own prescriptions — a testament to his dedication and broad skill. During his time in Katamatite, he became widely respected for his tireless service during the diphtheria epidemic of 1932, when his efforts saved many lives.
When he moved to Numurkah, Dr Coombs took on patients not only from Dr Parker’s practice, but also from Dr Thomas, who went overseas during the war. Many in the community felt that Dr Coombs’ extraordinary workload and selfless dedication during those years took a toll on his health and contributed to his early passing in 1949 from kidney failure.
Dr Coombs was also a strong advocate for the establishment of a public hospital in Numurkah. At that time, the town only had a few small private hospitals run by nursing sisters or midwives — such as Penzance, on the corner of Saxton and Stewart Streets — or patients had to travel to Mooroopna Base Hospital for treatment.
He served on the original Public Hospital Committee, which began advocating for what would become the Numurkah and District War Memorial Hospital. Through the 1950s, that dream became a reality. During the early years, Penzance continued to operate as one “wing” of the hospital, as new buildings were gradually constructed here at the corner of Melville Street and Katamatite Road.
In 1951, a public meeting was held to discuss how best to honour Dr Coombs’ immense contribution to the local community. Various ideas were raised, and fundraising commenced. Eventually, in 1957, following a suggestion by Dr Threlfall at a Hospital Committee meeting, it was decided that a memorial drive should be established in his name.
After receiving Shire approval, the road in front of the hospital was officially named Coombs Memorial Drive. The metal sign was generously donated by Miss M. Moss, and a number of trees were planted along Katamatite Road as part of the memorial.
The community felt that this was a fitting and lasting way to acknowledge Dr Coombs’ tireless support for both the Numurkah and Katamatite communities — a man whose dedication laid the foundations for the healthcare services we enjoy today.

Acknowledgements
NCN Health would like to thank the Numurkah and District Historical Society for their vision and initiative in helping bring this project to life.
A special thank you also goes to the Karinya Aged Care residents for their help sanding the seat, and to the NCN Health Maintenance Team for their work restoring and installing the sign.
This has truly been a moment in time worth recognising — one that connects our community’s past, present, and future.