ECU honours Anita Clayton

On the 30 March 2021, retired nurse Anita Clayton received the 2020 Community Alumni Award from Edith Cowan University at a gala event held at the WA Museum Boola Bardip.

The Community Alumni Award recognises ECU alumni who have made an extraordinary impact in the field of equality, diversity and social responsibility. Professor Steve Chapman, ECU Vice-Chancellor, cited Anita’s tireless work with disadvantaged populations. “She has left a legacy for nurses and the wider community through her compassion and professionalism in providing care for vulnerable populations across remote, rural and urban settings in Australia.”

UK born Anita completed her nursing training in London before migrating to Australia with her husband James. After a stint at Australian Inland Mission in Halls Creek she started work at the Perth Chest Clinic in 1979 as a Visiting TB nurse.

In 1996 she was appointed Senior Nurse in Tuberculosis and Migrant Health, a role she held until her retirement in May 2007 after 28 years of service. This included a brief period in 2006 as the Acting Manager/Director of Perth Chest Clinic when the service was without any medical staff.

In 2010, the Perth Chest Clinic and Migrant Health Unit moved to new premises on Wellington Street and were renamed the WA Tuberculosis Control Program and the Humanitarian Entrant Health Service. The new premises were named The Anita Clayton Centre (external site) in her honour.

Anita continues to be active in her retirement as a volunteer with the Red Cross and Arthritis Foundation. She is also a supporter of WASO.