Kenn Zerner

Modernising St Andrew’s

Kenn Zerner has been an important figure in ensuring St Andrew’s Hospital is ready for the future.

When Kenn joined the Hospital as a gardener on 12 July 1982, St Andrew’s was far smaller than it is today. Drawing on his experience maintaining award-winning hospital gardens at St Vincent’s Hospital, he initially cared for the Hospital’s grounds and gardens. However, it wasn’t long before an opportunity to assist with maintenance work revealed a practical aptitude for engineering and problem-solving that would define the rest of his career.

Growing with the hospital

As St Andrew’s expanded, Kenn’s responsibilities grew alongside it. What began with maintenance work soon extended to boilers, pumps, steam systems, compressors and other essential building services. For several years, he carried much of the Hospital’s maintenance responsibility, often being on call around the clock.

Recognising the increasing complexity of his role, Kenn pursued further study with the encouragement of then CEO, Luke Hughes. He completed engineering-related qualifications including a certificate, diploma and master’s degree, helping him transition from maintenance supervisor to project manager and infrastructure leader.

Shaping the future

Over more than 30 years, Kenn became closely involved in projects that transformed the Hospital’s facilities and capabilities. His work included the North Ward development, new kitchen facilities, engineering upgrades, generator installations, radiotherapy infrastructure, maintenance workshop expansion and water conservation initiatives. He particularly enjoyed project management, finding satisfaction in helping bring new facilities from concept to completion.

Few people witnessed as much of the Hospital’s physical growth, and fewer still played such an active role in delivering it.

Building for tomorrow

Kenn was passionate about ensuring the Hospital was prepared for the future.

Following significant electrical failures and a major switchboard fire during theatre construction, he became a strong advocate for robust emergency systems. Under his guidance, St Andrew’s developed extensive backup power capabilities and emergency management systems designed to maintain essential services during major outages.

He also championed sustainability initiatives, including bores, rainwater storage, water recycling systems and efficient plumbing solutions. These practical measures saved millions of litres of water over time and reflected his long-term approach to infrastructure planning.

A lasting legacy

While doctors and nurses cared directly for patients, Kenn helped create the environment that made that care possible.

The St Andrew’s Hospital of today bears little resemblance to the organisation Kenn joined in 1982. Through decades of dedication, technical skill and steady leadership, he helped build and maintain the infrastructure that supported the Hospital’s growth into one of regional Australia’s leading private healthcare facilities. His contribution may not always be visible, but it continues to support patients, staff and visitors every day.