LOCAL health professionals have been recognised in the 2021 Victorian Rural Health Awards.
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The awards recognise the significant role of health professionals contributing to the well-being of our Victorian rural communities.
Warrnambool's Dr Karoline Gunn received the 'Closing the gap' award for her important work at Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, Warrnambool.
Dr Gunn has been working at Gunditjmara Health Clinic since October 2018.
She's involved with the Clontarf Foundation, performing health checks for young Aboriginal boys, undertaking women's health screening days including cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening, alongside regular health checks specifically for Aboriginal people.
In true humble fashion, Dr Gunn was quick to acknowledge the efforts of others in the team.
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"It is a team affair rather than individual," she said. "It's not the work of one person in particular.
"We as a family went to East Arnhem Land in 2012 where I practiced medicine in remote Indigenous communities and I really enjoyed it.
"When we moved back to Victoria I started working at Windamara Aboriginal Corporation in Heywood and then started at Gunditjmara in 2018.
"I like the combination of a community health-based group trying to provide a wrap-around service rather than just medical services.
"It's really good to have a space that is welcoming for Indigenous people who are often reluctant to access mainstream services."
Ms Gunn was born in Warrnambool and has been a practicing general practitioner in the city since 1997.
"I think close the gap summarises it well - we want the same outcomes for all our communities in Australia and Indigenous people do fall behind in a lot of parameters and that could be improved and is being improved."
The awards also acknowledge the lifetime of dedication from health professionals who have contributed 35+ years of service to rural communities. Among the nominees, the awards celebrated rural general practitioners, rural generalists, outreach providers, nurses, midwives, practice managers and allied health professionals working across rural Victoria.
Warrnambool City Council chief medical officer Dr Philip Hall from Warrnambool Medical Clinic was awarded a 'Length of service' award.
Other local 2021 Victorian Rural Health Awards winners:
- Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP: Dr Peter "Justin" Madden - Otway Medical Clinic
- Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Practice Manager: Miffanwy Shelton - Corangamite Clinic Colac
- Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Outreach Provider: Dr Andrew Horwood (outreach to Wimmera region)
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