Cover photograph: 1895 — Photograph taken in the vicinity of Dr Wight’s home and surgery in Church Street Kyabram. You can see the chimney of the home on the left and the first Presbyterian Church (timber) in the background on the right. Dr John Cam Wight with his father seated on the right.
This publication has been researched, co‑ordinated and written by Kyabram historian Eileen Sullivan and former Kyabram Free Press editor Gus Underwood.
Acknowledgements: Kyabram Historical Society for the use of the resources held in their library especially the photographic collection and copies of the Tatura Herald 1880 1892 and the Kyabram Free Press from 1892 2024.
Thank you to all who kindly contributed in any way towards the publication of Doctors of Endurance, especially with photographs and information. It is very much appreciated.
29 Private hospitals 31 Bush Nursing hospital 33 Kyabram Hospital 34 First two ambulances
35 Fenaughty St Clinic December 1968 which was later named Kyabram Regional Clinic
FOREWORD from Dr Lawrence Tay
Dr Lawrence Tay
One of the Practice Principals of Kyabram Regional Clinic
I have had the privilege of serving at the Kyabram Regional Medical Clinic for a combined total of 14 years. This has led me to reflect on the remarkable contributions of other doctors in Kyabram, many of whom have served this community far longer than I have.
As I learned more about their dedication and heard stories of their impact, I felt compelled to ensure that their tireless service is
celebrated, recognised, and recorded for future generations and for the Kyabram district community.
For a town of Kyabram’s size, it is truly remarkable how many doctors have devoted significant portions of their careers here. Few country towns in Australia, comparable in size to Kyabram, can boast such a long history of committed medical professionals, with the first doctor arriving 138 years ago to administer vaccinations.
Inspired by this legacy, I began a conversation with former Free Press
editor Gus Underwood about how we could properly recognise these doctors - most of whom have quietly served the town and its people for years. Eileen Sullivan of the Kyabram Historical Society also shared our enthusiasm for this project, and together they have worked diligently to bring this publication to life, honoring these doctors and their enduring contributions.
Dr Lawrence Tay B.Med Sci, MBBS, JCCA, DRGA, DoD, FRACGP-RG, FACRRM
KYABRAM’S DOCTORS DOWN THE YEARS…1886 – 2025
Dr Trood – 1886
Dr Warwick G McLennan – 1886
Dr John Henry Carney – (1887 – 1889)
Dr James Wilson Bett – 1889
Dr Merrillees – (1889 – 1891)
Dr Anatole Francois Lapierre – (1891 – 1894)
Dr G F Wickens – (1892 – 1896)
Dr J C Wight – (1893 – 1928) – 35 years
Dr H Currell – (1899 – 1900)
Dr J Calhoun – (1905)
Dr C Harcourt – (1908 – 1920) – 12 years
Dr C E Jelbert – (1920 – 1922)
Dr H H Spencer – (1922 – 1931) – 9 years
Dr E A Barrett – (1925 – 1926)
Dr J B Alexander – (1926 – 1928)
Dr S Heriot – (1928 – 1930)
Dr A E Gribble – (1930 – 1933)
Dr E R Edwards – (1931 – 1941) – 10 years
Dr W A Bossence Sr – (1933 – 1960) – 27 years
Dr O B Goyen – (1941 – 1944)
Dr W F H Crick – (1944 – 1947)
Dr L J L Price – (1947 – 1974) – 27 years
Dr F H Buchanan – (1955 – 1965) – 10 years
Dr T G W Baker – (1959 – 1966)
Dr W H Bossence Jr – (1961 – 1976) – 15 years
Dr Leland Ivor Page (Bob) – (1965 – 1975 and 1981 – 1987) – 17 years
Dr Peter Tisdall – (1966 – 1990 & 1991 – 26.6.2011) Over – 44 years
Dr Peter O’Brien – (1972 – 1985) – 13 years
Dr Jeremy Frost – (Permanently March 1976 –2002) – 26 years
Dr John Sanderson – (March 1976 – May 1982)
Dr Steven Hanslow – (1978 – 1994) – 16 years
Dr Michael McQueen-Thomson – (1978 – 2022) – over 44 years
Dr W Bateman MB BS RCOG – (June 1982 – 1984)
Dr Rob Carson – Circa (1982 – 1983)
Dr D Kent MB BS – 1983 – Tongala
Dr Bernie Moore – (1984 – 2011) – 27 years
Dr Peter Hool – November 1984 – 40 years
Dr Tim Scott – (1984 – 1992 & July – December 2002)
Dr Robert Brun – (1988 – 2024) – 36 years
Dr Andrew Cope – (November 1989 – 1991)
Dr Andrew Cartwright – (August 1990 – )
Dr Sue Kennon – 1990s
Dr Linda Larsson worked for some time at the Kyabram Regional Clinic in 1991. Plus
Dr John Young – (1992 – 2015) – 23 years
Dr R Yu – (January 2004 – July 2010)
Dr R Aung Gyi – (February 2005 – June 2010)
Dr Anil Kumer Chetti – (June 2010 – December 2013)
Dr Lee Chen (Lawerence) Tay – (2011 – to the present time.) – 14 years
Dr Sameer Badgotti – (November 2011 – April 2022) – 10 Years
Dr Mala Gupta – (Feb 2014 – Dec 2015 and Feb 2017 – Feb 2018)
Dr Asif Mahmud – (August 2018 – 2021)
Dr Satheesh Gabriel – (August 2018 – 2020)
Dr Ashwini Enigo – (August 2018 – 2019)
Dr Lam Nguyen has had three terms in Kyabram (2016 – 2017, 2018 – 2019 & 2020 to the present time)
Dr Caroline Shipley – (2019 to the present time)
Dr Hosna Sadeghi – (From February 2024 to the present time)
Dr Yayati Dave – (From February 2024 to the present time)
Introduction
Seven of Kyabram’s longest serving doctors have served the town and district since 1960.
In the modern era, Dr Peter Tisdall, Dr McQueen Thomson, Dr Peter Hool, Dr Robert Brun, Dr Bernie Moore, Dr Jeremy Frost and Dr John Young have all given over 20 years of service, which adds up to an incredible combined 240 years of health care to the Kyabram and district community.
Given the general reluctance of many doctors to practice in rural areas, this has been a monumental contribution to Kyabram and District and something that needs to be applauded and appreciated.
Dr Peter Hool is still working at the Kyabram Regional Clinic today.
Dr Tisdall and Dr McQueen Thomson head the list for the longest serving Kyabram doctors, each with a magnificent 44 years plus.
They are followed by Dr Peter Hool (40 years) still practicing, Dr Robert Brun (36 years), Dr Cam Wight (35 years), Dr Lou Price, Dr Bill Bossence Snr and Dr Bernie Moore (all 27 years) Dr Jeremy Frost (26 years) and Dr John Young (23 years).
One of Kyabram’s first and most famous medicos, Dr John Cam Wight, was the first of its longest serving doctors at the end of the 19th century and start of the 20th century.
Kyabram historian Eileen Sullivan has discovered 20 doctors have given a total of nine years of service or more to Kyabram and district since Kyabram’s first doctors, Dr Trood and Dr G McLennan first practiced in the town, albeit only briefly, in 1886.
Dr Trood visited the town occasionally from Mooroopna to perform vaccinations at Miss Leader’s boarding house, while Dr McLennan also made brief appearances for a few months in that year.
Appointed Public Vaccinator on April 1, 1887, Dr McLennan announced at the same time he had decided to settle permanently in Kyabram but it never happened.
So, the first doctor to domicile himself in Kyabram for any length of time in those early years was Dr John Henry Carney.
Dr John Henry Carney
Dr Carney spent two years in the town from 1887 to 1889.
A local publication reported at the time:
“A need lately felt in this district has now been supplied by the presence of a duly qualified medical practitioner in the person of Dr J H Carney, who was recently practicing in Melbourne, and previous to that in Echuca.
It is hoped the residing medico will receive
his share of the local practice, and again trust his instruments will grow rusty with want of use.”
Dr Carney disposed of his practice to Dr J W Bett, requesting a settlement of all accounts due to him on or before January 1, 1889. He died at the young age of 35 years at Malvern in 1897. He was born in Manchester UK and was the great grandfather of former local Edwin Kennon.
At Ian Collie
we proudly support the local Doctors honouring those who have practiced at Kyabram Regional Clinic with dedication and care.
Just as they’ve been there for you, we’re here with expert pharmacy care and trusted advice — because your health matters!
We acknowledge and appreciate the incredible work of the doctors in our town. Their dedication, skill, and compassion make a profound difference in our lives.
We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to our community’s health and well-being.
A new clinic was established in 1985 at 29 Church St, Kyabram. Pictured are Dr Hanslow, Dr Frost and Dr Hool.
A property at 299 Allan St, Kyabram was purchased for a doctors surgery in 1955 for Dr Buchanan, followed by Dr Page in 1965.
Line-up of Kyabram’s longest serving doctors
EQUAL 1.
Dr PETER TISDALL
1966-2011 (44 years)
Dr Peter Tisdall was born in Hobart, Tasmania and studied medicine at Melbourne University. He commenced practice in Kyabram in December 1965 after been accepted as a visiting medical officer by the hospital that year. He practiced as a “solo” practitioner for the next 10 years at 80 Union St, Kyabram.
Dr Tisdall then moved his practice to the ground floor of the nurses’ living quarters at the hospital for another decade, where he was joined by other doctors. This was then known as the Hospital Administration Block. He and other doctors later moved into the Fenaughty Street Clinic when it became vacant Circa 1985.
Dr Tisdall “retired” in 1990 after delivering over 1500 babies and making approximately 27,000 hospital attendances during 24 years of service. Over his career he delivered three generations of babies. He was a staunch supporter of the hospital and served on the Board of Management of Kyabram and District Health Services from 1978 to 1989.
Dr McQueen Thomson said he believed Dr Tisdall had single handedly kept the hospital open when the government was trying to close hospitals down many years ago.
He took 1990 off to devote time to his winery in Echuca and returned to practice in
Kyabram in 1991, where he provided medical services until his sudden and untimely death on June 26, 2011 at the age of 71 years.
Dr Tisdall worked seven days a week caring for his patients and provided care in a non judgemental way, rejected no one, started early and worked late to ensure all received treatment.
He was a kind gentleman, a great cook and a connoisseur and a keen breeder of the majestic Clydesdale horse breed.
The community greatly mourned his passing,
which was evident when hundreds attended his funeral.
“He treated the whole of the person not just the condition.”
80 Union St where Dr Baker and then Dr Tisdall practiced.
Dr MICHAEL McQUEEN-THOMSON
1978–2022 (44 years)
Dr Michael McQueen Thomson arrived in Kyabram with his wife Heidi and three of his four children Stuart, Fiona and Anneliese in January1978. A son Michael (Mack) was born in Kyabram.
He served until June 2022 a 44-year stint. He had trained at Monash University with stays at Prince Henry, Alfred and Queen Victoria hospitals.
He had graduated in1972 and then had further training at Geelong Hospital then Austin and the Repatriation Hospital before his move to the country.
Michael initially joined Dr Peter Tisdall’s practice, specialising in obstetrics, anaesthetics and surgery before moving to the Kyabram Regional Clinic.
Michael became a visiting doctor to Tongala from 1978 to about 2005, usually for half a day and again on Saturday mornings.
He used the local Tongala & District Bush Memorial Hospital for obstetrics, minor surgery and inpatients, until it closed in 1990.
It was not unusual for his secretary, Jan McHale, to ring his patients to tell them that he would be late (because of a delivery) and then when he was free, she would ring them back and he would see them at night. He also went to Stanhope to the Community Centre
for about 10 years until Dr Brun came and he continued there.
Dr McQueen Thomson was known for his friendly demeanor and had special interests in sports medicine and weight loss medicine.
Dr McQueen Thomson said he enjoyed living in the community which was very supportive.
When he first arrived he was a passionate Kyabram Football Club supporter and club doctor who played Super Rules (now Masters) with a Kyabram team based on players 35 years of age or older.
“There were a wide range of activities in the town which I became involved in,” Dr McQueen Thomson said.
“The town practiced a high standard of medicine providing in town surgery, obstetrics and family medicine.”
Dr McQueen Thomson said the thing that disappointed him most is the loss of some of these services so that pregnant women needed to travel many kilometres to have their child.
But having said that, he also had high praise for the introduction of renal dialysis and oncology which provided a great boon to the town.
“My time in Kyabram was very enjoyable and I was sorry I had to move on,” he said.
Dr PETER HOOL
1984 to the present time (40 years)
Dr Peter Hool graduated from the University of Sydney.
He trained at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children and Sutherland Hospital, with terms in both Bathurst and Dubbo.
In 1984, after a time in Nathalia, he moved to Kyabram, joining the Church St Medical Centre, where he practiced until 2002, when his last remaining partner in the practice retired.
Rather than continuing as a solo practice, he joined the Kyabram Regional Clinic, where he has practiced for the last 22 years.
Apart from general medicine at the Kyabram Regional Clinic, he is a Visiting Medical Officer to the Kyabram & District Memorial Hospital, where he also provides anaesthetic services.
Dr Hool is also the Medical Officer to the residents of Kyabram’s Sheridan Nursing Home.
Dr ROBERT BRUN
1988–2024 (36 years)
After training in surgery in the United Kingdom and gaining his surgical fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Dr Brun emigrated to Australia and has been in general practice in Kyabram since 1988.
Dr Brun has interests in general surgery with a focus on skin cancer medicine, endoscopy (gastroscopy/colonoscopy) and being a GP supervisor.
Outside interests included reading particular literature and history and flying, which he has been able to undertake as he has a pilot’s licence.
Dr Robert Brun is highly respected for his professionalism and he and his wife Kath have three children who grew up in Kyabram.
Dr Brun recalls his time in Kyabram.
“When I joined Kyabram Regional Clinic in January 1988 it brought the number of doctors in the practice to five (Dr Peter Tisdall was the owner of the practice, Drs Michael McQueen Thomson, Bernie Moore and Tim Scott were employees and already in place).
“The Church St practice had three doctors (Drs Jeremy Frost, Peter Hool and Stephen Hanslow) which increased to four (Dr Andy Cope) after a couple of years.
“All the GPs practiced obstetrics and did their own deliveries ie provided 24/7 cover. We were up regularly at night doing deliveries with the midwives or emergency Caesarean sections.
“The number of GPs doing obstetrics gradually dropped off Bernie Moore and myself were the last men standing when Bernie retired from KRC and (having been unable to recruit a GP obstetrician or suitable GP obstetric trainee) I felt unable to continue this service by myself.
“So, Kyabram essentially lost its obstetric services, like so many other small rural towns a sad loss to the hospital also. “Each practice covered its own patient emergency presentations to the hospital casualty department, so we were doing appendectomies at night and setting fractures in the evenings as well as dealing with the ward emergencies.
“The Hospital provided 24/7 emergency theatre staff cover. We were doing one in two, later one in three on call in the evenings and at weekends. All this has gone now.
“The hospital itself has changed out of all recognition of course and is a great modern facility. Dr Tisdall retired but then came back as a solo practitioner. Michael, Bernie and I took over KRC and John Young joined us later.
“Jeremy Frost retired and Stephen Hanslow left town, so Peter Hool joined Kyabram Regional Clinic. Kyabram Regional Clinic was very lucky in gaining Dr Lawrence Tay who was one of our earlier GP registrar trainees.
“He is the only trainee to have stayed and become a practice principal. But we were unfortunate to lose John Young and Bernie Moore this was a great loss to the practice and the town.
“More recently we lost Dr Michael McQueen Thomson from the practice one of the longest practicing rural GPs in Kyabram if not the state which speaks for itself.
“Right from the early days it was difficult to recruit Australian trained graduates, so we had to rely on overseas graduates initially mainly from the UK like myself, but later Burma, Vietnam, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and more recently Iran.
“It has always been difficult to retain these doctors once they got their Australian exams, so for the last 15 years or so we became a training practice and teach GP registrar trainees which has helped with the workload.
“This placed an extra workload on the practice Principals to do the teaching, but kept us all up to date and on our toes. We have now also acquired first year graduate doctors who work as interns jointly in the hospital and the clinic I think they have added a sense of vitality and fun to the clinic.
“In terms of medical practice, the basics have not changed that much. Computerisation has to some extent helped with patient records (except when there is a crash) and has replaced the old paper based records we used.
“This has meant easier access to getting information, writing letters, accessing pathology results etc, but at an increased cost of maintaining the hardware and software. There have been great advances in medicine of course (keyhole surgery is now commonplace for many surgical conditions and many new and better drugs are available to treat many medical conditions).
“The standout medical conditions which have changed a lot of our workload are the chronic medical conditions which go along with advancing population age: Diabetes, cardiac failure, degenerative joint disease/chronic pain, osteoporosis and dementia to mention a few.
“The addition of practice nurses was a big change and allowed the doctors to manage the increasing amount to chronic disorders as well as help with vaccinations, wound dressings etc. No modern medical practice could now function without them they have been a big positive to KRC.
“With regards to KRC itself, apart from the fairly frequent changes of doctors (see above) the reception staff has been mostly stable with occasional departures and additions. One would have to mention the departure of Debbie Morden, our former practice manager, who was remarkable for the length of time she worked in the practice, but also in the range of skills she brought to the clinic and managed the many progressions and changes: computerisation, practice accreditation, new trainee doctors etc.
“We are lucky now to have Amelia Carroll, who has taken over the role without a miss step, ably assisted by our many other wonderful reception staff.
“What has generally NOT changed is the lack of investment in General Practice by successive governments over several decades leading to a now very serious lack of doctors wanting to become GPs and placing an increased burden on the hospitals to deal with both emergency presentations (formerly managed by GPs), but also increases in managing chronic conditions which should be managed by GPs as well.
“I sincerely hope this changes in the future, not only for the sake of the health of the local communities, but also because General Practice particularly in a small rural community is a fascinating field of medicine.
“I believe it is immensely intellectually rewarding for the doctors who choose to work in these settings with the added benefits of a great quality of life, despite its many challenges.”
— Rob Brun
Dr JOHN CAM WIGHT
Dr John Cam Wight was a very popular medical practitioner who set a high standard in his profession in the early part of the 20th century in Kyabram.
He was born in Melbourne in 1857, graduated at the Melbourne University and studied in London and Vienna before returning to practice in Melbourne in 1888.
He came to Kyabram as a young doctor in late 1893 to assist in the practice of Dr Lapierre and became Kyabram’s fifth permanent doctor.
In December, 1893 it was reported in the Kyabram Free Press on 22.12.1893:
What might have resulted in a nasty accident, but fortunately unattended with any serious results, happened to Dr Wight and Mr Tulloh, while driving in Dr Lapierre’s buggy on the road between Messrs Haslem’s and Brunt’s properties. By some means, one of the small bolts connecting the pole to the vehicle became loose, with the result that the pole became partly disconnected, causing the horses to become unmanageable and swerve around.
Mr Tulloh, who had charge of the ribbons, stuck manfully to them, but despite his efforts to restrain the animals, they smashed the one remaining link and departed for home with the pole and harness, leaving both gentlemen sitting in the buggy where they had ample time to collect their scattered thoughts. The horses, having bolted along the road some distance, were brought to a standstill by coming in contact with a tree. Considerable damage was done to the harness and one of the horses suffered a few bruises.
Dr Wight then took over the practice a few days before Dr Lapierre’s death at the Church St Clinic in January 1894.
He married in 1894 and in between 1905–1907, built a large home and surgery with magnificent gardens in Allan St west called “Oak Dene”. These gardens were designed by an Englishman, Charles Bouge Luffman (1862–1920) horticulturist and landscape gardener, who had designed the gardens at “Killamont” Wyuna in 1905.
His wife Sophia was a daughter of Major G F Bartrop, a relative of Florence Nightingale the English Social Reformer, Statistician and the founder of modern nursing.
The Wight’s had three children John, Margaret (Peggy) and Catherine.
Homes have since been built in the Allan St gardens and access to the home named “Oak Dene” is now in Oak Dene Crt via Jacaranda Ave.
Dr John Cam Wight was an active member of the early Kyabram community who played a leading role in public activities, including the building and running of the Mechanics’ Institute, the Recreation Reserve, the Lake Reserve and local sports.
He was an original trustee of the Kyabram Cemetery and was most active in the interests of the health and safety of the people.
He used his money freely for the good of the public and opened his home and gardens for many charity events.
Dr Wight was an advocate for a town sewerage scheme in the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918 and was behind the push to ban pig sties from the town’s residential area.
He also took a great interest in closer settlement, irrigation and fruit growing. He was a remarkably informed man who spoke freely on fruit growing, dairying, farming and wool growing, as well as political matters.
Dr Wight knew the transport difficulties of the district very well but was a stickler for the horse age.
Roads were bad, and a long journey to an outlying farm would often need a relay of horses on loan from the locals.
He employed two grooms and drove a two wheeled dog cart with tandem horses, ideal for the narrow and bad roads.
(A dog cart originally provided space for game dogs under the back to back seat arrangement which provided the dogs with louvered ventilation in the side panels.)
Dr Wight travelled to all parts of the district at any hour of the day or night in his English carriage drawn by a tandem team of horses.
But with the growth of his practice he reluctantly purchased a 1912 Ford vehicle the first Ford to appear in Kyabram.
His gentlemanly deportment and kindly sympathetic nature were legendary.
DOCTOR’S CAR STOLEN
Kyabram Free Press April 5, 1927
While Dr J C Wight, of Kyabram, was at dinner at the Kyabram Hotel on Saturday, a hatless young man was seen to drive off in the doctor’s red dodge car (which was left standing outside the hotel ) in the direction of Lancaster.
The car, which was valued at £350, contained a case of valuable surgical instruments. Certain traps were immediately set by the police, and a lookout was kept on all likely roads.
Early on Sunday afternoon, however, the car was found by Mr R C Williams, abandoned but undamaged, near the Mooroopna Cemetery, and it was subsequently returned to Dr Wight.
The surgical outfit was found to be intact.
There were more than eight gallons of petrol in the tank when the car was “lifted”, and but eight gallons remained when it was examined at Mooroopna. A Chrysler car which had been taken from Shepparton was on Sunday found abandoned on the Benalla Road.
Dr John Cam Wight died in 1928 aged 71 years, and is buried in the Kyabram Cemetery. Wight St, Kyabram is named in his honour. Dr Wight had a long and honourable career as a physician and surgeon in Kyabram and district.
I would like to personally thank all those doctors who have served the Kyabram and district community over the past 139 years.
Especially those long-serving doctors and those from the early days when doctors had to extend their skills, patience, dedication, and determination to levels much more demanding than they were prepared for but were still eager to try and do to honor their profession.
There are many absorbing stories of their trials and tribulations over such a long period that have made Kyabram a place people want to live in.
The Kyabram community is indebted to and proud of you.
Dr Lawrence Tay Thank you
Dr Wight’s home and practice “Oak Dene” in Allan St west, which was built between 1905 – 1907. This Historic home “Oak Dene” is now an Airbnb at 3–5 Oak Dene Ct Kyabram. The original frontage to Allan St was sold for housing blocks.
1895 – Photograph taken in the vicinity of the home and surgery in Church St, Kyabram. You can see the chimney of the home on the left and the first Presbyterian Church (timber) in the background on the right.
Dr John Cam Wight with his father seated on the right with the groom standing on the left.
Dr J C Wight’s Brass Plaque.
Dr W A BOSSENCE Snr
1933–1960 (27 years)
Dr Bossence Snr took over the practice of Dr Gribble in December 1933 on the north-east corner of Unwin and Allan Sts, Kyabram In 1952, Dr Bossence Snr enlarged his surgery by the addition of two rooms and early in 1953 Sister Betty L Wood came to assist him.
Dr Bossence collapsed and died while on duty at the Kyabram Hospital on Christmas Eve in 1960.
He was well known and respected throughout the community and endeared himself to all circles of life.
At the time of his death, his son Bill had been doctoring at the Alfred Hospital for 12 months and his elder daughter Anne had been nursing at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Dr Bossence was educated at Wesley College and trained at the Alfred Hospital. After obtaining his degree, he gave service for a short period at both this hospital and at Fremantle, Western Australia.
Dr W A Bossence married Mildred Clarke on November 14, 1933 and a fortnight later came to Kyabram to begin his private practice.
In the ensuing years he soon became one of the community, not only through his professional duties, but from his personal affiliation with societies and personal standing as a citizen.
He was a keen member of the Masonic Order and enjoyed bowls and tennis and an occasional game of golf.
“To get away from it all for a spell”, he liked nothing more than a days fishing with his mates.
Dr Bossence was also an avid music lover and won the prestigious Sun Aria competition, while still a medical student.
While medicine was his top priority, he was still able to devote time to the church choir, music clubs and small gatherings as he was an accomplished pianist and flautist and possessed a voice of rare quality.
There was a large attendance of mourners at both the funeral services which were held in the Kyabram Methodist Church and at the Fawkner Crematorium.
Dr W A Bossence – Plaque
We celebrate the dedication of Kyabram’s doctors
WE THANK YOU
At M+S Group, we extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated doctors, medical and support staff who have served the Kyabram community from 1886 to 2024.
Your unwavering commitment and exceptional care have been the cornerstone of our community’s health and wellbeing.
As a 100% locally owned and operated firm since 1966, we understand the vital role that professional services play in the growth and prosperity of regional towns and their surrounding areas.
M+S Group has continued to evolve and grow with the support of the local community and its dedicated staff.
M+S Group has two divisions: M+S Accounting Services and Pinnacle Financial Planning . Together M+S Group offers innovative advice and services to inspire better financial futures for regional businesses and families.
Together with the Kyabram community, we celebrate the legacy of Kyabram’s Doctors and look forward to continuing our shared journey of providing professional services across the region.
Book an appointment today
Kyabram
7-9 Albion Street
E: office@msgroup.net.au
Tel: (03) 5857 0888
www.msgroup.net.au
Dr LOUIS JAMES LAWRENCE PRICE
Dr Price was a highly regarded and popular Kyabram doctor and citizen from the late 1940s through to the 1960s until his death in 1976 at the Kyabram Memorial Hospital after having a series of cerebrovascular accidents over several years.
Born in Branxholme in western Victoria in 1904, he was the eldest of two children of William and Eva, a pioneering family of sawmillers.
After his family moved to Omeo where his father built a first timber dwelling among the Chinese residents encouragement from a Rev Bligh resulted in him tackling his intermediate certificate at 25 years of age and then his Leaving and Matriculation certificates.
This enabled him to enrol at university and then in his clinical years at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
After graduating in medicine, he married
Lynda Jones of Williamstown in 1937 and they moved to NSW where he became Resident Medical Officer of the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. This was followed by stints as a medical officer at the nearby The Rock NSW and during World War II he was also a part time Medical Officer at Uranquinty RAAF base.
In 1947 he moved his family to Kyabram and went into partnership with Dr Bill Bossence Snr and later Dr Frank Buchanan for over five years until Dr Bossence’s sudden death in 1960.
In 1955 they purchased the home of Mrs Grace Robinson, at 299 Allan St, to form a third practice at that time.
His skills as a GP really came to the fore and he became a much loved and respected doctor in a time Kyabram was enjoying a population growth spurt.
He had an inquiring mind, was an astute observer and meticulously followed the rule he often quoted “Always look! More things are missed by not looking than by not knowing.”
His sense of humour, people skills and community spirit drew praise from many of his patients. On his passing, there were claims he was “the kindest man they they’d ever known.”
Union St Kyabram – 2024
Dr BERNIE MOORE
1984-2011 (27 years)
A graduate of Sydney University, Dr Moore spent three years in hospitals in Sydney before heading to the UK to increase his knowledge of obstetrics.
Kyabram turned out the benefactor of this knowledge and experience when he returned from overseas with his wife Robyn and made Kyabram their home in 1984 where they raised their family.
On his arrival in Kyabram, Dr Moore worked with Dr Tisdall out of an administration block at the Kyabram Hospital before joining the Kyabram Regional Clinic where he worked with other long serving doctors until his retirement in 2011.
After leaving the Kyabram Regional Clinic in March 2011, he started work in October 2011 as a rural/remote locum, continuing that work until retirement in August 2021.
The Kyabram Club now stands on the historic site of Kyabram’s first Bush Nursing Hospital.
Dr JEREMY FROST
1976–2002 (26 years)
Dr Jeremy Frost and wife Carmel came to Kyabram for a short time in 1975 and then returned permanently to join the practice of Dr Peter O’Brien in 1976.
Dr Frost had studied medicine at Melbourne University, beginning in 1967, and completed his MBBS in 1972.
In 1985, Dr Jeremy Frost, with Dr Steven Hanslow and Dr Peter Hool, opened a medical clinic and practiced in a newly renovated home at 29 Church St, known as “Belgay”. They were
10.
later joined by Dr Andrew Cope in 1989.
This home was constructed in the late 1890s for Mr J. Thomson who had purchased the Kyabram Coach Works in Allan St.
Jeremy provided obstetric and anaesthetic services in Kyabram and practiced until 2002 when the family left Kyabram.
After leaving Kyabram, Dr Jeremy Frost and Carmel lived in Carlton and Dr Frost worked as a GP in Ascot Vale.
Dr JOHN YOUNG
1992–2015 (23 years)
Dr John Young was raised in Melbourne and graduated from the Melbourne University. He came to Kyabram in 1992 from his first appointment as a doctor at Bright where he had practiced for 13 years.
Dr Young recalls that one of the main changes he has seen in his time as a doctor is that the number of hours the doctors worked has been reduced. During his time, they were available 24 hours/seven-days-a-week, which was a taxing responsibility for the doctors and families.
When he retired from the Kyabram Regional Clinic in 2015, he intended to keep practicing in locum locally and across the country. Overwork and stress with after hours work proved to be too much for him and it was time to slow down.
His plan involved working just 15 to 20 weeks a year and spending more time on his hobbies, while still maintaining an interest in medicine.
At one time he spent time as a locum with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill. Part of his job included giving phone advice to people on remote stations. It was typical of John to be sitting in a comfortable chair with his feet up giving this advice.
When he retired in 2015 he continued working on restoring his 1950s MG TD.
Dr Young has held a passion for travel and adventure and is still living in Kyabram today.
Dr LELAND IVOR (BOB) PAGE
1964–1975 & 1981–1987 (17 years)
Dr Bob Page was one of Kyabram’s most colourful doctors who took over Dr Buchanan’s practice and house at 299 Allan St, Kyabram in January 1965.
In December, 1968 he moved his practice to the newly erected Medical Clinic in Fenaughty St built for Mr Chris Stacey.
He was born in Kadina South Australia in October, 1918 and was serving with the 100 Squadron in the AIF when discharged in 1945. He had studied medicine in Adelaide SA and was registered in 1953.
He had an 11 year stint in Kyabram as a doctor from 1965 to 1975 and then came back for a further six years in 1981 where he practiced at the west end of Allan St. During his period of absence from Kyabram he practiced in the Adelaide Repatriation Hospital.
In mid July,1986 Dr Bob Page and his wife Elaine suffered a serious car accident on the McIvor Highway near the Axe Creek Bridge on their way to Bendigo.
The staff were waiting that morning in the operating theatre in the Kyabram Hospital
where Bob was expected to start a surgical operation. When he did not arrive after a considerable wait, enquiries revealed the fact that Bob and Elaine were both in serious conditions in hospital.
Bob did consequently return to work, on crutches due to serious leg injuries, and worked at the Kyabram Regional clinic for some time. He also worked independently in Tongala.
He was well known for his smoking on the job habit and his frank and honest approach with patients but well liked and highly respected.
There is a story that Dr Page was once confronted by a pregnant woman who didn’t want to take his advice and have her baby born through a caesarean birth procedure.
“It is just not natural,” the mother to be protested vigorously to Dr Page who allegedly snapped back “the Hume Weir isn’t natural either my dear … but it’s bloody handy.”
During his time in Kyabram he studied a surgery course part time.
Dr Page passed away in Noosa.
Dr STEVEN HANSLOW
1978–1994 (16 years)
Dr Hanslow studied at the Melbourne University. He came to Kyabram in 1978 and practiced in the Fenaughty St Medical Clinic with Dr Peter O’Brien and Dr Jeremy Frost.
In 1985, Doctors Jeremy Frost, Steven Hanslow and Peter Hool opened a medical clinic in a newly renovated home at 29 Church St, known as “Belgay”.
Dr Hanslow with his wife Anne and family left Kyabram in 1994 and he commenced practice in Greensborough where he worked until his retirement.
Dr W H BOSSENCE Jnr
1961–1976 (15 years)
Dr William Bossence (known as Bill) commenced practice in Kyabram on January 16, 1961, just over three weeks after the sudden death of his father.
He was more than a doctor.
Dr Bossence’s contribution in many spheres were of such gigantic proportions that unfortunately many people were not fully appreciative of them.
He was a man who had done a great deal to preserve the history of Kyabram and District.
His books on the history of Kyabram, and other towns in the district, were the culmination of literally thousands of hours of painstaking research, interviews and drafting. He also wrote books on his and his wife’s family histories “Bossence” and “Honeychurch”.
Dr Bossence founded the Kyabram Historical Society where he was the inspiration behind the society and the formation of an extensive Historical Library in a section of
the Kyabram Town Hall. The Historical Library is now located in the Kyabram Shire/Library Complex 19 Lake Rd, Kyabram.
He, like his father, had a passionate love of music. He was vice president of the Kyabram Music Club, and on several occasions, directed Gilbert & Sullivan productions.
A major factor in his decision to leave Kyabram was the stand he took with the decision by the Kyabram Council to remove a tree in Unwin St outside his home in 1976.
Dr Bossence had a big heart and a dry sense of humour. He was a devout Christian, an organist and choir master of the Kyabram Methodist Church at that time.
He and his family departed from Kyabram in early 1976.
Many of his patients became good friends, and when he visited Kyabram, he saw them or inquired about their welfare.
Dr Bossence died suddenly at home on July 26, 1981.
14.
Dr LEE CHEN (LAWRENCE)
TAY
2011 to present time (14 years)
Dr Lee Chen Tay graduated in 2008 from Melbourne University. He had clinical experience in Monash medical centre, Dandenong hospital, as well as Casey hospital.
In 2011, he started GP training in Kyabram, lasting for a total of two years. He underwent anaesthetic training and acquire JCCA certificate, allowing him to perform anaesthetics, in 2013–14. When he returned to Kyabram in 2014, he was then invited to become a partner of the practice,
and has remained working as a rural procedural full time GP and anaesthetist. Other than Kyabram Regional Clinic, he has regular sessions in Tongala nursing home and Tongala clinic. He is particularly interested in men’s health, skin cancer medicine, as well as acute medicine.
Dr Tay is married to Esther and has two young children. He is a motorcar enthusiast and follows the latest news and updates in the automobile industry.
Dr PETER O’BRIEN
1972–1985 (13 years)
Dr Peter O’Brien could safely wear the hat of being one of Kyabram’s “sportiest” doctors.
He arrived in Kyabram in 1972 at the end of his sporting prime as an athlete of some repute from his school days feats on the running track.
In his time in Kyabram he played with the Kyabram Football and Cricket Clubs and Lancaster Football Club.
Somehow the charismatic Dr O’Brien also found time to embrace another sporting passion racehorses as a hobby trainer which necessitated early morning rises to work his horses at the Tatura racecourse before a full day attending patients and then football and netball training.
He had an offsider in those
times in Ian Purdey, who needs no introduction to Kyabramites and loves his racehorses.
They raced the well performed galloper Tennessee Jack who ran fifth in a Melbourne Cup.
But the biggest thrill Dr O’Brien derived from racing was in 2019 when his son, Danny, trained the winner of the Melbourne Cup, Vow and Declare, and duly brought the cup back to his town where he received another Melbourne Cup winning reception.
In recent years Dr O’Brien practiced in Melbourne before his retirement six years ago. He has spent a lot of his spare time over the past few years compiling a book The Gift of Tears about his early years and family life until he left Kyabram.
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A LEGACY OF CARE AND GROWTH
For more than 50 years, Warramunda has been at the heart of the Kyabram community, continuously growing to meet the needs of our residents. From Independent Living Units to Community Care services, we are proud of the rich history we’ve built and the exciting future ahead.
CARING FOR THE FUTURE
With a dedicated team of 300 staff and a new, experienced board, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care. Warramunda Village is more than just a home – it’s a community built on compassion, care, and trust. Discover more about how Warramunda Village can make a difference for you or your loved one. Call or visit us today.
Dr CLIVE HARCOURT
When Dr Harcourt first settled in Kyabram his rooms were at the Kyabram Coffee Palace on the north east corner of Bradley & Union St now Knights Building Supplies then for a time he practiced in “Miss Dowling’s” Boarding House (original home of Dr Wight in Church St.).
Miss Dowling advertised that she was prepared to take gentlemen boarders (1.11.1908). In August, 1915 Doctors Wight and Harcourt entered a partnership for the duration of the war, each residing in turn at Tatura to fill the place of that town’s doctor who had enlisted.
During the influenza epidemic Doctors Wight & Harcourt distinguished themselves by their devoted service to the community. They systematically visited every second home in the district in order to discover and forestall new cases of the disease.
ERNEST RICHARD EDWARDS
Ernest Richard Edwards was born in 1901 in Nhill, Victoria. He qualified in Melbourne in 1923 and took over the practice of Dr H H Spencer at 79 Union St in 1931. He had married Anne Hutchings in 1930.
He was highly involved in the development and establishment of the Kyabram Bush
Nursing Hospital. He was a keen golfer and tennis player as seen in the sporting notes in the Kyabram Free Press over the time he was there. At the beginning of WWII, Dr Edwards enlisted for service and departed from the town.
Prior to leaving Kyabram in February, 1941, Dr Edwards was given a number of
farewells The tennis club and golf club com bined to give a farewell at the Kyabram Tennis Club House and the BNA Hospital gave he and his wife a farewell. Mrs Edwards was farewelled at the home of Mr and Mrs E H Hutchison.
Dr E R Edwards died on 3.8.1966 and is buried in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
Kyabram Coffee Palace on the NE corner of Union and Bradley Sts where Dr Harcourt first practiced. (Looking towards the Railway Station.) Dr Harcourt had a house built at 42 Church St which he sold to his successor Dr C E Jelbart.
Dr Harcourt’s later practice at 42 Church St, Kyabram was located on the south-east corner of Church & Unitt St (see marked on photo) across the road from the Masonic Lodge.
Dr F H BUCHANAN
1955–1965 (10 years)
Dr Frank H Buchanan was invited to occupy 299 Allan St and to act as assistant to the partnership of Dr Bossence and Dr Price. He became a full partner a few months later. The three membered partnership lasted until the death of Dr Bossence Snr.
Dr Buchanan was given a farewell in the form of a social evening from the members of St David’s Presbyterian Church. He was a highly respected doctor in Kyabram.
Dr Buchanan left Kyabram to pursue formal Psychiatric training at Larundel Hospital, Bundoora in 1966.
He became a consultant psychiatrist in Melbourne after becoming a Fellow of the
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. (RANZCP) in 1969.
Dr Frank Buchanan worked in private practice, specialising in addictions. Along with Dr John Moon and Dr Les Drew, he was instrumental in setting up an addiction unit at Delmont Hospital one of the first hospitals to do so in Australia.
Similarly, Dr Buchanan dealt with addictions at the Melbourne Clinic.
He was involved in starting private psychiatric treatment at John Edis Hospital in Hobart, a lecturer at Monash University Medical school, including being a co-author of a core text book for psychiatric treatment.
He was married for 62 years and died playing golf on 9/07/2008. His wife Irene passed away peacefully on 16/02/2018.
They are survived by four children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Contributed by his son Dr Douglas Buchanan MB BS, B Med Sci., FRACS
19.
Dr SAMEER BADGOTI
November 2011-April 2022 (10 years)
Dr Sameer is a Pakistani national. He established himself firmly in the Kyabram Regional Clinic for over 10 years. He and his wife Mala Gupta have a family of two young boys.
He is a caring proactive General Practitioner that worked and trained extensively in India and the Maldives before moving to Australia. He continued his training as a paediatric doctor at Rockhampton Base Hospital, Royal Hobart Hospital and Burnie hospital. He
General Practitioner MMS FRACGP
has the following qualifications: Fellowship of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners RACGP Advanced clinical certificate of dermoscopy skin cancer of Australia.
Dr Badgotti gained a wealth of experience and thoroughly enjoyed working as a GP in rural and regional Victoria before moving permanently to the Gold Coast in 2022.
He is confident in managing acute and chronic health issues and has a particular
Dr MALA GUPTA
MBBS FRACGP
(Feb 2014–Dec 2015) and (Feb 2017– Feb 2018)
Dr Mala Gupta joined her husband Dr Sameer Badgoti at the Kyabram Regional Clinic in 2014. She is an Australian trained female GP and speaks English, Hindi and Gujrati.
In 2016 she worked in Bendigo studying women’s health/obstetrics, then returned to Kyabram Regional Clinic.
In 2018 she left the Kyabram Regional Clinic to work in a GP clinic in Shepparton. She is a caring, calm and positive doctor with a wealth of experience.
Dr Mala Gupta has special interests and expertise in women’s health, including antenatal care, skin cancer medicine/skin
interest in: Men’s Health, weight management, chronic disease management, paediatrics, diagnosing and managing skin cancers skin and dermatological conditions and travel medicine. Dr Badgoti also enjoys occupational medicine and is happy to conduct private/ commercial driving medicals, pre employment assessments and work related injuries.
Dr Sameer Badgoti speaks English and Hindu and is interested in cricket.
checks, skin cancer surgery including complex grafts and excisions, General dermatology, and chronic disease management. She also does cosmetic consultations and injectables.
In 2022, Dr Sameer and Dr Mala Gupta left the Goulburn Valley and took over a GP practice at the Gold Coast at Nerang.
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Dr HERBERT HAROLD SPENCER
1922 – 1931 (9 years)
Dr Spencer’s rooms were at 76 Union St until he purchased the house across the road at 79 Union St from Mrs Hanley.
Doctors who practiced at 79 Union St in different years were Dr Spencer, Dr E R Edwards, Dr O B Goyen, Dr W F H Crick & Dr Louis Price.
Dr Herbert Harold Spencer was born in 1887 at Maryborough and was enrolled as a day student at Geelong College in 1901.
He went to England in 1908 and Glasgow University, where he eventually graduated after WWII. When war broke out, he enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 10th Highland Light Infantry, and was wounded in Loos, France in 1916. Afterwards, he continued his work and qualified in Glasgow in 1919.
He was for some time at Bournemouth Military Hospital and a Captain with the Royal Army Medical Corps, where among patients were 175 Australians. After his return to Australia in 1920, he purchased a medical practice in Elsternwick.
He married his first wife in England and had a daughter in 1920. He remarried in 1922 to Winifred Walsh with whom he had a further two children.
Dr Spencer also served the Tongala area.
Dr Spencer was a very popular medico in Kyabram for nine years where he and his wife were given a farewell in the Kyabram Theatre which was attended by 300 people from various parts of the district.
The skilled services of Dr Spencer had been freely availed upon by all sections of the community in the district and beyond as he built up a well deserved reputation as one of the most successful physicians and surgeons in the State. From Kyabram he carried the goodwill and best wishes of a host of firm friends, grateful ex patients and general public.
There were many speeches and musical items performed followed by dancing.
Dr Spencer played cricket with the RSA team.
Dr Herbert Harold Spencer died 29.3.1951 and is buried in Geelong.
Dr Anatole Francois Lapierre PMD
PL OA 1891 1894
Tatura Herald 5.6.1891 Notification that
Dr Lapierre is taking over the Practice of Dr Merrillees Health Officer & Public vaccinator.
Dr Lapierre was born in Paris in 1845 and served as a surgeon in the French Army during the Franco Gemanic War. He had also been awarded a silver medal for public vaccinations in Paris where he worked for 12 years. He was a member of the French School of Medicine, an officer of the French Academy, health inspector of schools, public vaccinator, and doctor of the Prefecture of the Seine.
Not being over robust of constitution, he was determined to see whether the climate of Australia would agree with him better than that of his beloved France.
In Kyabram he won for himself golden opinions both in regard to his skill and proficiency as a doctor and his courtesy and thoughtfulness as a man.
He was joined in Kyabram by Dr Gandevia of Melbourne for a short time as “locum tenens” in late November 1893 and Dr John Cam Wight in December, 1893.
Dr Lapierre died in early January, 1894. He was laid to rest at the Rushworth Cemetery. Out of respect to the memory of the deceased all the business places in Kyabram were closed, and most of the townspeople attended the funeral.
Dr G F Wickens 1892 – 1896
Dr Wickens commenced business and was consulted at Miss Leader’s Boarding House in December, 1892.
He moved to a house at 74 Union St in March 1893 where he practiced for 3½ years. He departed Kyabram in June 1896 selling his goodwill to Dr Wight, who also became the local Health Officer in his place.
Dr H Currell 1899 1900
Commenced practicing in Kyabram in February 1899 after coming from Nathalia. He left in May 1900.
Dr J Calhoun Circa June 1905 —
In May, 1906 Dr Calhoun moved to Albion St next to the Police Station. (About opposite M & S Group Accounting today).
Dr Calhoun was here for a short time. He was a Patron of the Kyabram Turf Club along with Dr Wight and Baron Von Swaine.
Dr Calhoun (back right) with his wife standing in front of him. Taken in Donald, Victoria 1950.
Dr C E Jelbert 1920 1922
Dr Charles Ellis Jelbert graduated in the University of Melbourne in 1916. He practiced in NSW and Victorian towns and was at one time medical officer to the Ballarat Friendly Societies Medical Institute.
He also had pastoral interests.
Dr Jelbert took over the home of Dr Harcourt at 42 Church St, Kyabram, but the house was still up for sale in 1925 after Dr Jelbert had left Kyabram in 1922.
Union St clinics
71 Union St Kyabram Coffee Palace Dr Harcourt.
74 Union St Dr Wickens — March 1893 June 1996
76 Union St Dr Spencer.
79 Union St Dr Spencer, Dr E R Edwards, Dr O B Goyen, Dr W F H Crick & Dr Louis Price.
80 Union St Dr T G W Baker & Dr P Tisdall.
87 Union St Dr E A Barrett.
Dr Edgar A Barrett 1925 1926
In 1925, a short lived practice was set up at 87 Union St (Then known as No. 1) continuing afterwards to a home on the west side of “Lynwood Private Hospital” in Allan St East.
“Ardennes” (a new Private Hospital) was opened for patients of Dr Wight and Dr Barrett in April, 1926 on the north west corner of Church and Tulloh Sts by Sr. Anderson.
Dr J B Alexander 1926–1928 followed Dr Barrett, but did not stay very long.
Dr S Heriot 1928 1930
Dr Wight’s practice came into the hands of Dr Stuart Heriot who had acted as a locum tenens for Dr Wight during Dr Wight’s last illness. He worked in Dr Wight’s rooms until he was able to lease the weather board dwelling at 81 Allan St next to the Memorial Gardens. He and his wife were given a huge public farewell after only a little over two years in Kyabram.
Allan
by Dr S
and then Dr A Gribble for a short time. This photo was taken before it was leased to doctors.
Dr Albert Elijah Gribble 1930 1933
Dr Gribble completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Adelaide in 1929.
He followed the departure of Dr Heriot, but fearing eviction from 81 Allan St, he built a home with a surgery at 101 Allan St on the north east corner of Allan and Unwin Sts. He was highly involved in the establishment of the Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital. Four months after the hospital was opened he departed for Edinburgh to further his studies. The practice was then taken over by Dr Bossence Snr. Dr Gribble, Australian Army, 2nd AIF, Captain and later promoted to Major. He was discharged in 1946 to the Australian Army Medical Corps He died on 10.12.1955 at Parkville and is buried in Avoca.
Miss Fanny Leader’s Temperance Hotel & General Store Allan St, Kyabram on the right also referred to as Miss Leader’s Boarding House, where Dr Wicken’s first practiced. (Now the site of Rodney Arcade).
81
St, Kyabram west of the Memorial Gardens leased
Heriot
1959 map showing 82 Allan St Site of Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital and later the Kyabram Club. 81 Allan St on the west side of the Kyabram Memorial Gardens leased by Dr S Heriot and Dr A Gribble. 101 Allan St erected for Dr A Gribble until Dr Bossence Snr purchased the practice in 1933.
Dr Gribble with his young daughter Vena in 1934.
Dr Osburn Bracewell Goyen
1941 1944
Dr Goyen was born in Bendigo in 1900 and after serving with the Australian Light Horse in WW1 he studied medicine at Melbourne University, and in London and Edinburgh. In 1928 he was in Kalgoolie where he was researching Miner’s Tuberculosis. During WW11 he served in the Medical Corps. He practiced in several places in Victoria and died suddenly at Beaudesert in 1948 at the age of 48 years where he had practiced for over 2 years.
Dr Goyen practiced from 79 Union Street.
Dr W F H Crick 1944 May 1947
A controversial Kyabram doctor regarded “well before his time” was Dr W F H Crick who served from 1944 to May 1947.
A farewell presentation was conducted by the committee of the Kyabram District Community Memorial Hospital for Dr Crick for his assistance to the Kyabram BNA Hospital, the proposed Community Memorial Hospital, for his good fellowship and to his professional ability and approach.
He had very strong ideas which he expressed forcefully, but he was also prepared to debate a question and whether he won or lost would support the majority wholeheartedly.
Dr Crick, who practiced from 79 Union St. Kyabram, was presented with a professional case as a token of appreciation of his services to the committee.
Dr Crick became a Minster of Health in Canberra in 1966.
He was opposed to compulsory seat belts in 1966 when first mooted and wrote in the Australian Police Journal discussing the idea To de criminalise or legalise marijuana
Dr Tom G W Baker
1959 December 1965
Dr Tom Baker purchased Mr I B Webster (dentist) rooms at 80 Union St, Kyabram. (Mr Webster then took other rooms behind Gorr’s Pharmacy.)
Dr Baker left Kyabram in December 1965 after practicing in Kyabram for six years. He had accepted a position at the Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Dr John Sanderson
March 1976 May 1982 (6 Years)
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
He graduated at the University of Melbourne in 1971.
Dr John Sanderson commenced practice with Dr Tisdall at the Nurses’ Hostel at the Kyabram Hospital. It was his first practice as he had worked previously in the Royal Melbourne and Royal Children’s Hospitals.
After leaving Kyabram he has been in Cooma NSW, Canberra, Ballarat and Hamilton.
He has now retired to Port Fairy.
Dr W Bateman MB BS RCOG
June 1982 1984
MBBS FRACGP DRANZCOG
Dr Bateman is an experienced, former rural ‘cradle to the grave’ family GP and has delivered over 800 babies in country practice.
He has special interests in paediatrics, young families, shared care obstetrics, skin cancer, men’s health and travel medicine. Outside interests include family, surfing and reading and writing fiction. Bill’s debut crime fiction novel, Hard Labour, was published in early 2017, followed by You’re Never The Same in 2019.
Dr Bateman practiced at Warrnambool for a number of years and is now practicing at Albert Park Medical Clinic.
Dr Rob Carson Circa 1982/83
Dr Carson practiced with Doctors Peter Tisdall, Michael McQueen Thomson and Bill Bateman.
Dr Rob Carson with baby Brett Wadelton in January 1983. He had delivered Brett on November 25, 1982.
Dr David Kent 1983
Dr David Kent was brought into Tongala by the local townspeople which relieved the Kyabram doctors of an extra workload for a time.
Dr Andrew Cope
November 1989 1991
Andrew arrived in Kyabram in late 1989 with his wife Gin and two boys Sam and Joe to work at the Church Street Clinic with doctors Stephen Hanslow, Jeremy Frost and Peter Hool.
Dr Andrew Cope trained as an undergraduate at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Following an internship in hospital, he served for five years with the Royal Navy as a medical officer at sea, in shore establishments and in hospital.
Andrew completed GP training and then had four years as a GP in Bushy Park near London. During that time he explored options for a practice exchange with someone in Australia and was offered a permanent job in Kyabram.
The family had a lovely two years in Kyabram and then moved to Bendigo where he worked initially at the Primary Care Clinic, then Community Health at Eaglehawk before setting up a practice in the Creek Street Medical Practice in Bendigo.
Andrew retired in 2021
Dr Gihad (Michael) Cabbou MD (ROM) FRACGP
Two international doctors also practiced in the Church Street Clinic Dr Gihad (Michael) Cabbou from Syria and Dr Atef Griss from Egypt.
Dr Michael Cabbou was born in Syria and completed his medical training in Romania. He qualified in 1989 and practiced in the Kyabram Church Street Clinic.
His special interests are in Mental Health, emergency paediatrics and drug rehabilitation.
He now practices in Cobram.
Dr Atef Habib Kamel Griss
Qualifications
Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery, Alexandria University, Egypt, 1980
Language Arabic & English
Practicing at the Seaford Central Medical Clinic.
Dr Tom G W Baker on the left with his father and son Stephen Circa 1960.
CHURCH STREET MEDICAL CLINIC
Doctors Stephen Hanslow, Jeremy Frost and Peter Hool.
Dr Susan Mary Kennon
Born in Devon England on 11.06.1950 Sue has the honour of being the first lady doctor in Kyabram. In 1990, she was Director of Medical Services in Kyabram.
Dr Sue Kennon had a relatively short time in Kyabram with her husband Ed and four children Katie, Lucie, Emma and Peter.
Dr Sue Kennon practiced in the Church Street Clinic when she first arrived in Kyabram and before her illness.
She was an extremely popular trail blazer who was respected by her patients and the community in general.
She sadly lost her battle with cancer at the age of 47 years on September 16, 1997.
Her early death was shattering for all her knew her.
Dr Tim Scott (1984–1992 & July – December 2002
Dr Tim Scott was a UK Graduate. He worked both Kyabram and Tongala Branches of the Regional Clinic.
He had a dry wit and “interesting” sense of humour. There are many stories to be told in an appropriate forum!
In March, 1990 Dr Tim Scott departed for an extended working holiday in the Northern hemisphere with plans to marry Linda Larsson in Sweden in September that year.
Tim and Linda left Australia in 1992 and spent time working in the UK and Sweden. They both returned to work in Kyabram for a brief term in 2002.
Dr Linda Larsson
Dr Linda Larsson worked for some time at the Kyabram Regional Clinic in 1991. She then returned in 2002 for a brief term, during which she worked at Kyabram Regional Clinic, Church St Medical Clinic as well as working in Echuca.
Linda was of mixed Swedish and Scottish ancestry.
She studied medicine in Scotland.
Tim Scott and Linda’s first child was born in Kyabram.
They subsequently settled in Sweden where two more children were born.
Tim worked in Government GP Clinics and Linda set up Private General Practice with a colleague.
Dr Andrew Cartwright 1990
Dr Andrew Cartwright joined the Kyabram Regional Clinic in August 1990 arriving from the UK. He has fond memories of his time working in Kyabram, especially with the support of Doctors Moore and Brun. He was particularly interested in trout fishing and was a member of the Shepparton Fly Fishers.
Fr Donal Dempsey, parish priest at St Augustine’s Parish at the time, was also a keen fisherman.
Dr Andrew Cartwright helped Fr Dempsey (as he was a bit wobbly on his feet) catch his first trout in the Rubicon River.
The priory housekeeper had kindly packed a lunch for them that day and Fr Dempsey was reported to have had a huge smile for the rest of the day.
When leaving Kyabram, he was treated to a farewell party and remembers clearly that the hospital nurses threw him fully clothed into the fountain near the Kyabram Hotel.
Dr Andrew Cartwright is now practicing at Hyde Park Medical Centre in Townsville in men’s health, aged care, diabetes, skin checks, work medicals, minor surgical procedures and chronic disease management. (2024)
In an attempt to rationalise the medical services provided to the town in 1990, the two medical practices introduced a system to share the responsibility for emergency services at the weekend.
Dr R Yu
January 2004
July 2009
Dr R Yu is a Burmese national.
MBBS, M Fam Med., FRACGP, FACRRM
Dr R Yu obtained his MBBS degree in 1982. He also gained some post graduate experience in United Kingdom.
He completed his Family Physician Training in 1996 in South Africa.
He also obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Managing Health and Welfare in South Africa from Sheffield Hallam University in 1999 and Master of Family Medicine Degree in 2002.
After moving to Australia in 2003, he has been awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2006.
He was also granted Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine in 2006. He is a Medical Educator at RACGP Victoria Faculty since 2007 performing roles of Clinical Examiner. He is also a General Practice Supervisor with RACGP.
He has special interests in family medicine, child health, general practice training and teaching medical students He was greatly respected by his patients for his gentle manner.
In February 2005, he was joined in Kyabram by his brother Dr Aung Gyi.
After leaving Kyabram he established the Mandalay Family Clinic in Footscray and Hoppers Crossing.
Dr Aung Gyi
February 2005 June 2010
Dr Aung Gyi is a Burmese national and now works from the Mandalay Family clinic in Footscray.
Dr Aung Gyi received a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the Institute of Medicine I, Myanmar, in 1985. He is a skilful doctor, who also underwent Family Physician Training in South Africa in 1996.
To further hone his skills, Dr Gyi acquired a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management in 2000 and a Master in Family Medicine in 2002. He is a credible doctor in Footscray, and is mainly an expert at minor surgical procedures, obstetrics, travel vaccinations and family medicine.
Dr Aung Gyi is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Royal Practitioners (RACGP) and currently enjoys a vast clientele.
Dr R Yu and Dr Aung Gyi were both single men, who had a love of fast cars. They learnt that, in Australia, even flash cars can hit kangaroos.
Dr Anil Kumar Cheeti
June 2010 — December 2013
MBBS, Diploma of Anaesthetics,FRACGP
Dr Anil is an Indian national who completed his medical training in India. Coming to Australia with his wife and young daughter, he initially worked on King Island for two years.
He was very popular with his patients at the Kyabram Regional Clinic.
He has had over 22 years of experience working in General Practice including over 15 years in Australia.
He is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practioners (RACGP)
His clinical interests are men’s health and chronic disease management.
He is able to converse in English, Telugu and Hindu.
He left Kyabram to establish a GP Clinic in Melbourne.
Doctors Bernie Moore, Robert Brun, Michael McQueen Thompson and Andrew Cartwright.
Three new doctors joined the Kyabram Regional Clinic in August 2018.
Dr Asif Mahmud
Dr Asif Mahmud graduated in 1990 from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan. He had post graduate training and certification in internal medicine in 1996 from New York City US. Since then he has had extensive experience in general and emergency medicine in USA, UAE and Australia.
Dr Asif Mahmud joined General Practice in 2017. His special interests are geriatrics and acute care medicine. He had practiced in Shepparton and Numurkah before coming to Kyabram.
Dr Asif is married with three children and loves the outdoors and spending time with family. Languages Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and English.
Dr Satheesh Gabriel and Dr Ashwini Enigo moved to Kyabram in 2018 from Mildura.
Dr Satheesh Gabriel
Special interests: enjoys all aspects of general practice, chronic disease management, preventative health, mental health, travel medicine, skin cancer and pain medicine.
Dr Satheesh Gabriel graduated from Pondicherry University, India in 2007. He has worked in various regional and rural hospitals around Victoria. Dr Gabriel has a particular interest in all aspects of general practice, chronic disease management, preventative health, mental health, skin cancer and pain medicine. Dr Gabriel is now upskilling in general dermatology and skin cancer medicine. He completed his FRACGP in 2019. Outside of work, Satheesh enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and watching the cricket.
Dr Ashwini Enigo
Dr Ashwini Enigo graduated in India in 2009. Ashwini is passionate about general practice and enjoys all aspects of general practice including chronic disease management, preventative health and mental health. She has a keen interest in Women’s and Sexual Health and is trained in inserting Implanon. Ashwini also enjoys paediatrics and has completed a Diploma of Child Health. Ashwini is also fluent in Tamil and Malayalam. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and cooking.
Dr Lam Nguyen 2016 – 2017, 2018 – 2019, 2020 to the present time.
Dr Lam Nguyen completed his Bachelor of Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
He has worked at Albury Wodonga Health and Northeast Health Wangaratta before commencing general practice at Kyabram Regional Clinic, where he intends to stay. He is happily married and prefers to spend time with his wife and daughter when he’s not working. His hobbies include reading, occasional poetry, computers and badminton.
Dr Caroline Shipley 2019 to present time
General Practioner
Dr Shipley can be consulted mainly at the Tongala Clinic.
Dr Yayati Dave International Medical Graduate
Dr Hosna Sadeghi
International Medical Graduate
Church St Kyabram — location of Dr Lapierre and Dr Wight’s early practice.
Kyabram Regional Clinic
PRINCIPAL DOCTORS
Dr Lee Chen (Lawrence) Tay
Dr Peter Hool
DOCTORS
Dr Lam Nguyen
Dr Carolyn Shipley
Dr Yayati Dave
Dr Hosna Sadeghi
REGISTERED NURSES
Tongala & District Bush Nursing Memorial Hospital 1925–1990
Many of the local doctors practicing in Kyabram over the years have also consulted in Tongala, Merrigum and Stanhope. In the early years they would be in attendance at the local hotels on a certain day of the week. Kyabram doctors visited the Tongala & District Bush Nursing Memorial Hospital which was established in 1925 as a memorial to local men and women who served and died in WWI and was owned by the People of Tongala. This hospital closed in 1990 and is now privately owned.
KYABRAM REGIONAL CLINIC ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Zali Smith
Erica Maguire
Leanne James
Jessica Elbourne
Kate Worsfold
Private hospitals
There were
a
number of small private hospitals in Kyabram prior to the opening of the Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital in 1933.
Nurse Goddard opened a private hospital in Kyabram in October 1903 which served the community until April 1906.
Kyabram Free Press October 16, 1903
Miss Goddard, certified nurse and accoucheuse, (a female obstetrician or midwife) has opened a private hospital in Kyabram, near the railway station, and has every convenience for the reception of patients. Miss Goddard is a member of the Victorian Trained Nurses’ Association, and holds several Diplomas for the various branches of her profession
Nurse Goddard departed from Kyabram in April 1906.
Kyabram Free Press April 13, 1906
“Nurse Goddard, who has for some time conducted a Private Hospital in Kyabram, left on Monday to take charge of the Government Receiving depot at Royal Park, which has recently been opened in connection with the Reformatory. The position is an important one, and it is a high tribute to Miss Goddard’s qualifications that she should have been successful in gaining the position when there were many applicants.”
QUISISANA PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Meaning of “Quisisana” “Here one is healed” or “Here you become healthy”
“Quisisana” was a small private hospital at No. 5 Edis St. Kyabram, which was run very capably by Matron Wheeler from 1912 until her retirement in 1923.
The building was originally the home of Mr John E Edis. After 1923 it became a private home.
During the great influenza epidemic in 1919 (known as the Spanish Flu), the small private hospitals quickly filled to over-flowing and before long the Kyabram school was re opened as an additional hospital. Ladies of the Red Cross fed the patients, and authority for the management of the “school” hospital was in the hands of Matron Wheeler.
MRS C M Mc SEVENEY
Mrs C M McSeveney (certified Nurse) leased the establishment of Mrs Simpson, Allan St, Kyabram and conducted a PRIVATE NURSING HOME from March 31, 1913, but only spent 6 months at this location.
She advertised “Surgical, Medical and Obstetric cases were attended to.” Terms supplied on application.
This group was taken on the front verandah of Matron Wheeler’s Hospital in Edis St, Kyabram. Matron Wheeler front left
Kyabram Free Press – March 1913
Mrs McSeveney assisted Dr Wight with Influenza vaccines in 1919 during the Influenza epidemic.
Kyabram Free Press 11.02.1919
LYNWOOD PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Lynwood Private Hospital (Midwifery) was opened at 298 Allan St in September 1916 by Nurse Millard & Nurse Standing. Nurse Standing sold her share to Nurse Simpson who in 1919 sold to Nurse Millard.
Nurse Millard continued alone until 1921 when she sold to Sisters Pettifer and Johnson who had served together in Salonika during the war.
In May 1928, Nurse M Taylor took over the hospital, but in August that year, it became “Lynwood” boarding house and later “Westwood” Boarding House.
LYNWOOD PRIVATE HOSPITAL
A short-lived practice was set up at 87 Union St (Then known as No.1) continuing afterwards at the west side of “Lynwood”, in premises erected by Mr Cooper, son-in-law of Mr G H Bishop.
Back left — Mrs C M McSeveney (Nurse) Back right Mollie McSeveney daughter Seated Mr McSeveney.
In the Kyabram Free Press, October 3, 1913, Mrs McSeveney advised she was soon to be moving into the home of Mrs Hubert Goddard at the west end of Allan Street.
ARDENNES PRIVATE HOSPITAL
A new Private Hospital was opened for patients of Dr Wight and Dr Barrett in April 1926 on the north west corner of Church and Tulloh Sts. It was previously the Presbyterian Manse now part of St Augustine’s College. Sr Anderson, who initiated the service, was a returned sister from WWI and called the hospital “Ardennes”. It closed in 1938.
A small wooden sign “Ardennes Private Hospital” can be seen on the verandah, Staff are holding two babies with a well rugged up patient resting in an outdoor lounge in front of the hospital. Note the lovely old cot on wheels with two more cots under the verandah.
KYABRAM BUSH NURSING HOSPITAL
The Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital (BNA) was officially opened July 29,1933 on the south east corner of Allan and Saunders Sts.
This is now the site of the Kyabram Club.
Ardennes Hospital on the north-west corner of Church and Tulloh Sts.
Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital
The Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital, which was also referred to as a Cottage Hospital, was established in 1933 on the south-east corner of Allan and Saunders Sts, now the Kyabram Club. Public meetings had been convened in 1925 and 1928 to establish a hospital in Kyabram, but there was no support from the public until it was again put forward in 1933 where it was stated that “The Public had finally seen the Light”.
The Kyabram Hospital Building Committee’s first choice of location for a hospital was the late Dr Wight’s residence in Allan St, but acting on the recommendation of Mr K Elliott, Honorary Architect of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, it was decided in July 1933 on the property of Mr George Dobinson. The structure was to provide accommodation for eight patients, with provision for an operating theatre, sitting room and staff quarters.
Support and donations came from many quarters especially the townspeople. Donations included a supply of quilts for infant cots all soaps required by the institute for the first 12 months linen purchased from profits from a gift afternoon held in Cooma the CWA held a street stall a picture night was held in the Plaza theatre produce, towels, tray clothes, tea towels and pillow slips were donated and Mr F C Johns presented the hospital with a clock.
A Hospital auxiliary was formed on July 20 with 30 members. Mrs J B Sawers was elected president and the new members took home a quota of hospital sheeting for hemming and washing.
Mr O Ovens presented the hospital with a wagon load of wood which Mr McGillien undertook to saw into convenient lengths. Supporters were prepared to form themselves into a grounds committee and keep the hedges and yards in order and the sign over the gate was painted by Mr S Tucker.
Five tenders were received for alterations to the building and the Equipment Committee were able to purchase their requirements through Knights Big Store at cost price. The Lancaster auxiliary provided the whole of the utensils required for the kitchen.
The membership fee for the new Bush Nursing Hospital was 1 guinea per family with 10/6 a single person and 8/- for returned servicemen. There were 520 members in the first year.
The Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital opened its doors on Saturday, July 29, 1933 and was officially opened on Sunday, July 30 at the Plaza Theatre with an attendance of over 400.
An opening address was given by Mr J B Sawers and a cot was placed in the vestibule of the theatre to receive envelope donations. The Kyabram Town Band played music in front of
the theatre and afterwards marched to the new hospital, playing on the way. At 4 pm there was an inspection of the hospital for those who had admission tickets issued at the Plaza Theatre.
At the time of the opening in 1933 only £90 was required before the hospital was cleared of liability.
The Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital began with two large and two single wards which were fully equipped and capable of accommodating eight patients. The staff quarters accommodated three. Sister Murray (formerly of Tongala) was appointed by the VBNA as the first sister-incharge, assisted by staff nurse, Sister Chambers and Miss Bertha Sim as housekeeper.
In the first week there were 4 inpatients and two operations.
A new wing on the east side of the hospital, consisting of an operating theatre, sterilising room and Labor ward, was officially opened on the night of January 22 1937 by Mr J McEwen M.H.R. where 100 visitors gathered. The new
wing was of a brick structure equipped with the latest appliances including a large shadeless light in the operating theatre. The contractors were Messrs Watt & Reeves.
After the official opening about 70 visitors played cards. Euchre tables were laid out on the verandah and bridge was played in the new section. A beautiful supper was served on the verandah by members of the hospital staff, the ladies’ auxiliary and committee.
The old operating theatre was renovated and converted into a two bed ward.
Doctors
Dr E R Edwards. 1931 -1941
Dr A E Gribble. 1930 -1933
Dr W A Bossence. 1933 1960
Dr O B Goyen 1941 1944
Dr W F H Crick 1944 1947
Dr L J L Price 1947 –
Dr F H Buchanan 1955
Dr T G W Baker 1959 –
Dr Price & Dr Bossence Sr in front of the Kyabram Bush Nursing Hospital
A new hospital in Fenaughty St was officially opened on March 27, 1960
Kyabram Hospital showing the nurses hostel on the left.
The Nurses Hostel in the foreground. Dr Tisdall moved his practice to the ground floor of the nurses’ living quarters at the hospital in 1976, where he was joined by other doctors. This was then known as the Hospital Administration Block.
Circa 1960s.
Kyabram’s first Motor Ambulance
Kyabram’s first motor ambulance was officially handed over by Mr W G Hicks, Country organiser of the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service in a ceremony at the Kyabram Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, August 10 1927, prior to the Kyabram Tongala football match in the presence of a large crowd.
On a dodge chassis the ambulance, light blue in colour, is capable of carrying two beds in a well lit chamber, in which is fitted a well-stocked first aid chest, which containers bandages, splints and necessary drugs and liniments. There is a seat inside for three persons and louvre ventilation is provided.
Second ambulance for Kyabram
A new ambulance was officially handed over to the Committee of the Kyabram and District Ambulance Service on Saturday, May 1, 1937. There was a large attendance present when Mr W G Hicks, of the executive of the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service, presented the new vehicle in front of the Kyabram Mechanics’ Institute.
Mr Hicks was extended a welcome by Mr F Hargreaves, President of the Kyabram Branch.
The new ambulance presented a striking comparison to the old ambulance which was the first for the district in 1927. It was a trim low set vehicle, light grey in colour and fitted with two steel telescopic stretchers and two others in case of an emergency. The ambulance
was built on a Ford chassis by Mr Thompson, formerly of Kyabram.
This second ambulance was purchased by means of the establishment by the Country Ambulance Service of a Replacement Fund plus money raised by the local Kyabram Committee. Fundraising included Saturday night dances and a “Miss Goulburn Valley” contest.
Fenaughty Street Clinic
The Kyabram Fenaughty Street Clinic was opened on Monday, December 16, 1968 to accommodate the surgeries of Dr L I Page and Dr L Price.
It was built by Mr T Schreiber for Mr and Mrs C Stasey. The Medical Centre in Fenaughty St is on the eastern side of the Kyabram Hospital. It was leased by both doctors on an individual basis as they were not in partnership. Mrs Lois Cook was in charge of reception.
Kyabram Regional Clinic
The newly extended and renovated Kyabram Regional Clinic was officially opened on December 19, 2003 by the Kyabram and District Health Services Board President Mr Doug Crow. The building was a modern well designed Clinic with all the rooms and facilities needed for first class medical care.
The new clinic was expected to assist in the retention and recruitment of the doctors for the town and district.
The Clinic is a busy rural general practice in which all GPs do procedural work and have a big local hospital commitment. They have a satellite clinic in the surrounding town of Tongala.
Kyabram District Health Service (KDHS) acknowledges the considerable contributions of all our medical workforce since 1933.
KDHS provides an integrated range of acute, subacute, residential aged care, community and primary health services, with our visiting medical officers appreciated as an invaluable component of our multidisciplinary care team. KDHS recognises our commendable doctors in our 60-year anniversary timeline within our main entry hallway.
Our medical model has evolved to meet the needs of our community and provides a strong foundation as KDHS services grow and develop so as we achieve our vision of “Helping our Community Live Well”.
