Doctor called to outback

It was a hot afternoon, but despite that there was a great turnout to the February Rebus meeting. Visitors included recent Mangawhai Heads arrival Gerry Butler, and long term residents Brian and Gillian Browne.

Guest speaker was Mangawhai local, Phillip Barbour, a physician who now works solely in rural Australia. Living and working for many years locally, Phillip and his wife spent a lot of time exploring Australia.

Phillip treated the audience to wonderful photos and videos of Australia, it’s places, flora, and fauna. Their town only has a population of 250 yet services a huge area – 1000 by 3000 kilometres – so has a hospital and retirement village. They breed them tough in the outback.

Phillip works two weeks in Australia, then comes home to Mangawhai for four weeks. He emphasised the deeper knowledge that he has of his patient’s needs and overall well-being is what gives him deeper satisfaction. Old school medical care, the best.

n Next Meeting is the AGM March 19, 2pm at the Community Hall Fagan Place, Mangawhai Heads. For any queries contact David Foster 027 431 5005.