Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Zoo NewsThis year marks an exciting milestone, Atherton proudly celebrates 136 years of Australian-made innovation, teamwork, and commitment to healthcare. From our beginnings in 1889 as a Melbourne plumbing firm to becoming Australia’s only manufacturer of medium to large infection control equipment, we’re proud of our legacy and the incredible people and partners who have helped shape it.
As we reflect on this achievement, we’re also looking ahead. This coming week, our team is attending the 2025 IHEA National Conference at the Masonic Centre in Sydney.
We’ll be showcasing our Duck and Platypus washer-disinfectors, built to deliver the performance, efficiency and reliability that healthcare facilities need today, and into the future. Please don’t be shy to introduce yourself to our team if you’re attending.
In this addition of ZooNews, we shine a spotlight on Jo Wyles at Goulburn Base Hospital in NSW, where our equipment plays a key role in delivering reliable infection control support to a busy regional facility. Don’t miss our employee spotlight on Leyenda Barrett and you’ll also find information about this year’s Study Days, hosted by Brett Benz and designed to share knowledge, build capability, and support our healthcare partners.
Thank you for being part of the Atherton community. Here’s to continuing our journey, together, 136 years on.
This weekend, we’re attending the 2025 IHEA National Conference at the Masonic Centre in Sydney. This national event unites healthcare facility management and design professionals to showcase the latest technologies and best practices.
This year, we are excited to unveil our Duck and Platypus washer-disinfectors, which are designed to deliver unmatched performance and reliability.
At Atherton, it’s always a privilege to connect with leaders in healthcare and explore innovations shaping the future of the industry.
Events like this highlight our ongoing involvement in national conventions and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the infrastructure behind healthcare.
This year, Atherton proudly celebrates 136 years of expertise, teamwork and Australian made healthcare innovation.
What began in 1889 as a small Melbourne plumbing firm founded by Fred Atherton has grown into Australia’s only manufacturer of medium to large infection control equipment.
For over a century, we’ve stood for reliability and innovation. As well as having a deep commitment to supporting healthcare, life sciences and aged care. We’ve expanded across New Zealand and Asia, while remaining family owned and operated.
Today, we lead the way in sterilisation, heating and precision systems that are designed to meet the highest standards. Our passionate team ensures every product is built for quality, ease of use and long term performance.
Atherton’s legacy is built by our people and our clients. Their expertise and dedication continue to drive us forward, 136 years on.
In the heart of regional NSW, Jo Wyles has seen sterilizing evolve from hand-scrubbing hollowware to today’s high-tech, automated workflows. A passionate professional with three decades of experience, Jo has led the Sterilizing Services Unit (SSU) at Goulburn Base Hospital since 2014, though her journey began back in 1995 as a technician.
“Back then, we were folding and sterilising linen for surgical procedures and scrubbing instruments by hand,” Jo recalls. “Now, we rely on fully automated systems that allow us to work more efficiently and deliver consistent outcomes.”
The Goulburn SSU has had a long-standing relationship with Atherton, beginning with the Gorilla sterilisers over 20 years ago. Today, the hospital’s new unit proudly features Atherton washer-disinfectors, sterilizers, drying cabinets, and heat sealers, a comprehensive upgrade that has transformed the team’s daily operations.
“As a regional hospital, managing technical issues can be tough,” Jo says. “But Atherton’s support is always prompt and reliable. That partnership gives us confidence to keep delivering the best service.”
When asked how she explains her work to friends or family, Jo smiles:
“I don’t usually—but if someone asks, I just say I clean and sterilise instruments at the hospital.”
Despite the challenges of staffing and tight turnaround expectations from theatre, Jo finds joy in the unpredictability of her work.
“I love that every day is different,” she says. “And I take pride in making our department a great place to work, where people enjoy what they do.”
Beyond the walls of Goulburn Base, Jo’s life is just as full. Born in Dungog, at the foot of the Barrington Tops, Jo now calls Goulburn home. She cherishes time with her grandchildren and getaways with her close-knit group of girlfriends, packed with shows, food, laughter, and long conversations.
From tallying car tyres at a car show to picking peas by the pound, Jo’s early jobs were certainly memorable. But it’s clear her career in sterilising has been the most impactful.
Thanks, Jo, for your incredible contribution to healthcare and for trusting Atherton to support you along the way.
Leyenda joined the Atherton team in 2024 as our Clinical Education Specialist.
With a long-standing background in healthcare and CSSD spanning almost 3 decades, Leyenda continues to provide steady and practical support to our customers through tailored training across a broad range of environments.
Leyenda’s ability to adapt to different sites and teams has made her a reliable presence during both new installations and ongoing service visits
Always calm and focused, Leyenda plays an important role in ensuring our customers feel supported and capable long after the initial training is complete.
Leyenda has quickly become a much-loved and highly respected member of the Atherton team. With her trademark smile and genuine passion for what she does, she brings enthusiasm, warmth and dedication to every part of her work.
Please take the opportunity to meet Leyenda face to face (along with Brett Benz) at Atherton’s 2025 Study Days.
We thank Leyenda for her continued dedication, the value she brings to our customers and the Atherton team!
Due to overwhelming interest, our CSSD Study Days have seen record attendance this year! Held at our Atherton Head Office in Alphington, Victoria, these engaging training sessions are ideal for both new and experienced CSSD staff.
You’ll gain valuable knowledge across key topics including:
• Steam and low-temperature sterilisation
• Mechanical decontamination and validation
Get hands on experience with our equipment and take an exclusive tour of our manufacturing facilities where our world class sterilisers are made. Plus, enjoy the chance to meet Brett and Leyenda along with our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Service Team.
Location: Atherton Head Office, 372-376 Darebin Road, Alphington. Victoria
Limited Spots Available so Book Early to avoid disappointment.
Contact: Leyenda Barrett, Clinical Education Specialist
Mob: 0472 809 637
Email: lbarrett@atherton.com.au
Tea and coffee along with a light lunch will be provided. Closed shoes must be worn for the factory tour.
Location: Sydney Masonic Centre, Sydney, NSW
Dates: 23 – 28 May 2025
Location: National Convention Centre, Canberra, ACT
Dates: 27 – 29 August 2025
Location: Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney, NSW
Dates: 27 – 31 October 2025
Location: Novotel Wollongong, NSW
Dates: 12 – 14 November 2025
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, TAS
Dates: 16 – 19 November 2025
Location: Sydney Masonic Centre, Sydney, NSW
Dates: 23 – 28 May 2025
Location: National Convention Centre, Canberra, ACT
Dates: 27 – 29 August 2025
Location: Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney, NSW
Dates: 27 – 31 October 2025
Location: Novotel Wollongong, NSW
Dates: 12 – 14 November 2025
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, TAS
Dates: 16 – 19 November 2025
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