Reaching for her goals and sharing in her love for her family and God, Alisa doesn’t let anything stand in her way.
Born in 1942 in New Lambton, this strong-willed woman was the youngest of a loving family of seven. She lived in a busy house with her parents, her grandmother, 2 brothers and a sister.
Christianity and God are a huge part of Alisa’s life. Her grandmother was one of the founding members of the Islington Baptist Church, her mum and dad were involved in starting the New Lambton Baptist Church in their home and her grandfather helped build the Newcastle Baptist Tabernacle. So, it’s no surprise that Alisa found a deep love for the Lord by attending church services and Sunday school. While sharing her love for the Lord Alisa delighted in saying, “the centre of my life is the Lord.”
Alisa was born with Erb’s Palsy which limited the function of her arms, and through her life she has been battling with severe asthma. However, Alisa did not let this stop her from pursuing an impactful and meaningful career in nursing.
Signed off by her doctor, Alisa worked for 14 months as a nurse at Wallsend Public Hospital, followed by 6 months working at the Margaret Reed Orthopaedic Hospital before transitioning into working as a children’s nurse.
Ailsa worked at various children’s hospitals including the Renwick Hospital for Infants at Summerhill, the Royal Newcastle Hospital, the Deaf and Blind Children’s Centre, and more. She even became the Head House Mother of the Handicap Deaf and Blind saying sincerely, “I learned a lot while I was there.”
Over time, Alisa’s health went downhill so she pivoted and attended a bible college at Epping where she studied for 2 years. It was there that Alisa trained and then worked as a Deaconess at Ashfield Baptist Church.
Around the 1980s, Alisa would come home from work to lovingly take care of her mother and sister. Her sister was born with a disjoined hip and without a hip socket affecting her ability to walk. Her mother had developed Epilepsy and needed a walker to move around. Ailsa’s experience working with children who had epilepsy gave her experience and understanding to care for her mother.
Alisa and her sister Audrey published a manuscript entitled: A Triangle of Love which copied and compiled the letters written by their father Lieutenant Neville Ambrose Davies during World War I to his sweetheart and fiancé Edna Mathews. The letters recount Davies’ experiences during the war, until his return to Australia in 1919.
Throughout her life, Alisa developed a love for music and the arts. She learned to play the piano and organ and fondly remembers playing music and singing songs with her whole family including cousins. She also enjoyed painting, tapestry, reading, cake decorating, jam making and gardening – some of which she continues to do at Maroba.
Alisa moved to Maroba three years ago and has enjoyed a range of activities including reading, going to the women’s group, arts and crafts classes, attending speech therapy, bingo and of course church services and activities. She occasionally attends cooking classes and gardening activities.
Growing up in New Lambton and in Newcastle, Alisa made a lot of friends. Since moving into Maroba, Alisa has renewed previous friendships from when she attended school and local churches stating, “meeting up with old friends each day, that’s a positive.”
When asked what she thought about the staff she softly said “they’re all so special. I don’t think there’s any one I could put above another… they’re our family”
With a strong will-power Alisa didn’t let anything stand in her way. She shows a deep love for her family, God and achieving what she wants.
Featured in the March Maroba Connect 2026.