Medical masters

By Melissa Meehan
BUNYIP is one of the lucky towns.
It is one of the few rural and regional areas not to have been hit by a doctor shortage.
It’s no mean feat, thanks to the tireless work of the medical centre management committee.
More than 50 years ago, when the town was poised to lose its doctor, the community pulled together to build a surgery and residence – from then on, they have been able to keep doctors in Bunyip.
This year, the committee has again come together to expand the surgery to allow other medical practices to come into town.
Committee member Bill Pearson said the $100,000 expansion would create two more consulting rooms and upgrade some of the existing building.
“It is the third upgrade in 12 years,” Cr Pearson said.
“We will raise the money through fundraising and the rent to pay off the loan.”
He said the medical centre was an important part of the town since they had lost their hospital and community health centre. “It is all private enterprise,” he said.“The public own it.”
The committee is made up of 12 local members, who look after the centre for the community.