News
We value our art at the GMC in terms of its role as a therapy and helping to connect with the broader community. We have a collection from many local artists including some works by Bundjalung people.
Our most recent addition is a print from a well known First Nation Canadian artist, Todd Baker. This work was given to us by our two Canadian medical students, Hasti Gouldooz and Amrita Samra. They have now just completed their one year training with us.
We enjoyed having these students and wish them well for their future. The artwork is called ‘The Talking Stick.’
The stick was held by the speaker, who stood beside the chief at ceremonies and announced the chief’s wishes. The talking stick was the property of the chief and was intricately carved with his crests and family stories much like a miniature totem pole. Today at gatherings it is the turn of whoever is holding the talking stick to speak.
One of Canada’s foremost First Nation artists, Todd is the grandson of the (late) great leader and speaker Chief Khot-la-cha (Chief Simon Baker) of the Squamish Nation a Coast Salish tribe. The Squamish Nation is located in the beautiful city of Vancouver where our students come from.
- by Dr Andrew Binns
Dr Andrew Binns is a General Practitioner at Goonellabah Medical Centre and has recently launched a new website called Healthy Aspirations - addressing the determinants of health.
His focused areas are Lifestyle Medicine, Art and Health, Justice Health and Aboriginal Health. Other important contributors to the website are Janet Grist, journalist and writer, and Dr Janis Balodis, director and playwright.
Dr Binns encourages feedback and welcomes ideas for contributions to the site.
Goonellabah Medical Centre welcomes back Dr David Glendinning, General Practitioner. David studied Medicine at the University of Wollongong, and moved to the Northern Rivers for a student placement. He and his family decided to stay in the area, with David working at Lismore Base Hospital before starting his GP training. He has a Diploma in Child Health, a Certificate in Emergency Medicine and works regularly in the local emergency departments. Prior to studying medicine he worked as an engineer and project manager. He provides support to the Local Health District for eHealth initiatives, and teaches and supervises medical students. His interests include:skin medicine/skin checks; chronic disease management; men’s and women’s health; child and adolescent health and pre-employment medicals. Dr Glendinning works on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Stressful times?
At GMC, we want to assure you that we are following strict guidelines for our medical practice as recommended by the Australian Government. These times of isolation can be very difficult for many of us. If you are feeling worried or depressed, please make an appointment for a consultation - our doctors, psychologists and counsellors are here to help you.
Care plans can be developed specifically for you and include plans for mental health, chronic illness and people of ATSI origin.
GMC are again using SMS messages as a reminder of appointments. Our new system does not require you to reply to the SMS message. If you wish to change the scheduled appointment, then please contact our reception by phone on 0266 250000. If you have any questions, please contact us. We hope this service is valuable to you. Text messages will be sent approximately 3 days prior to your appointment.
