Macksville Medical Centre celebrates 50 years in Wallace Street!

Lesa Hennessey remembers being rushed to the Macksville Medical Centre, covered in blood and glass in the back of her grandma’s car, when she was five years old. She’d fallen over a milk jug at the family farm and glass was embedded in her chest. The scars that remain are a tangible reminder of this event and the care she received.

“Doctor Mayze saved my life that day,” she said.

Little did Lesa know that her journey would come full circle. Today, Lesa is a Registered Nurse, caring for her community at the very same practice.

She is one of the thousands of people who have been cared for by the doctors, nurses and the dedicated team at the Macksville Medical Centre over its long history, and she has provided care to thousands herself.

“The practice has treated so many people, seen their babies grow and their babies’ babies come in. My own grandparents came here and now my grandchildren visit the practice,” said Lesa, highlighting the trust the centre has in the community.

This month the Macksville Medical Centre proudly celebrates fifty years of providing quality care at 36 Wallace Street, Macksville. The milestone is not just a celebration of longevity, but a testament to the enduring commitment to community care.

The journey of the Macksville Medical Centre began with a vision shared by the late Dr Paul Gan, Dr Mayze, and Dr Das to build a purpose-built medical facility on Wallace Street, Macksville. The practice (complete with pebble gardens, an x-ray room and a fishtank in the waiting room) opened its doors in 1975.

“The rooms were like the lap of luxury and not something we had seen before,” said Associate Professor, Dr Antonio Di Dio, Director of Professional Services Review with the Australian Government, who lived in Macksville as a child. “The Macksville Medical Centre became an integral part of the town in the same way the Co-op and the pharmacies were. It certainly continued a proud tradition with incredible doctors servicing our little town.”

After a successful opening, Dr Gan went on to practice at the Macksville Medical Centre until his retirement in 2015, working tirelessly for over fifty years.

Dr Vince Edghill visited the practise in 1977 and later returned to join, serving the community until his retirement in 2021. NVC Group, a local not for profit, recognised how important the practice was to the local community, and stepped in to save the practice from closing.

In recent years, the Macksville Medical Centre has not only weathered the challenges of regional healthcare shortages but is flourishing under the leadership of Practice Manager, Casey Shorter, whose tireless work and commitment over the past three years have been instrumental in addressing the critical shortage of medical and allied health services in the region.

“I am seeing more of a shift to multidisciplinary models in practices, whether it is social, philosophical or financial imperatives I don’t know,” said Dr Antonio Di Dio. “Rural medical practices are places for connection and healing as well as simple and complex primary care.”

Casey’s impressive contributions to improving access to quality, affordable healthcare have garnered national recognition, with her story of a successful role as Practice Manager at the Macksville Medical Centre even being featured in the Department of Health and Aged Care’s current primary healthcare workforce media campaign.

Casey said, “The Macksville Medical Centre’s 50th anniversary on Wallace Street, is more than just a celebration of time; it’s a recognition of its vital role as a cornerstone of the community. The importance of places like our medical centre to local communities can’t be underestimated. I am truly grateful to do this rewarding work.”

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere and the next chapter, the 50th anniversary coincides with a significant expansion of the practice’s services.

“The Macksville Medical Centre is delighted to welcome Joseph Pastega of Nambucca Podiatry, who is now providing services to the community from our rooms. The addition of Joseph’s services will help address a critical gap left from the recent closure of the Macksville’s last podiatrist.

“We’re thrilled to also welcome a new full-time male GP, Dr Muhammad Rafiq Azam, who has joined us on a permanent, long-term contract, allowing the practice to open its books to new patients,” said Casey.

With over 25 years of primary health care experience in several countries, and qualifications from Canada, Pakistan and the UK, this will be Dr Azam’s first time practicing in Australia.

Dr Azam said, “I’m delighted to be joining Macksville Medical Centre as a General Practitioner. I’m excited to be part of a well-respected team with a long-standing commitment to quality health care. This opportunity means a great deal to me, as it allows me to serve a close-knit community and make a meaningful impact through continuity of care. I look forward to providing patient-centred care for all ages and gender groups, offering minor surgical procedures, and building long-term doctor–patient relationships based on trust.”

“For me, general practice plays a vital role in regional communities by offering accessible, holistic care and supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals and families across all stages of life.”

The Macksville Medical Centre’s expansion, which will also include the addition of new nursing staff, will add to the existing services offered at the centre, which include general practice by Dr Omotayo Lawal and Dr Sangita Khobragade, Amplifon audiology, Psychology services, and the free legal advocacy service provided fortnightly by MNC Legal Centre. This commitment to bringing essential medical and allied health services together under one roof makes access for patients easier and underscores the centre’s dedication to the holistic well-being of the our community.

The Macksville Medical Centre is open 9am – 4pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 12pm Friday. To find out more visit their website and to book a doctor’s appointment please call 02 6568 1155.