Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has paid tribute to one of Blacktown’s favourite citizens, retiring GP, Doctor Jeffrey Graham.
Dr Graham began his association with Blacktown as a locum in 1975 after gaining his medical qualifications from the University of New South Wales.
Dr Graham opened his general practice in Blacktown in 1979, serving the community continuously until his recent retirement.
Mayor Bleasdale gave a special tribute to Dr Graham in the recent Council Meeting.
“Doctor Jeffrey Graham dedicated 47 years of his life to our community. Generations of Blacktown families have depended on the extraordinary work ethic of Doctor Graham as their family doctor, including many of our past and present Councillors and Council staff.
“Doctor Graham was devoted to his patients. Many people recall how he would follow up with them in his own time, even contacting his patients on Christmas Day.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
A number of Councillors gave their own tributes to Dr Graham, with Deputy Mayor Brad Bunting saying; “Thank you very much for all that you have done in Blacktown and I know from personal experience growing up when you have a family doctor, there is nothing more important than having somebody that you trust with all your medical care.”
Dr Graham’s large extended family was invited to the Council meeting to witness the Council tribute to Blacktown’s favourite GP, with Mayor Bleasdale presenting him with a framed Certificate of Appreciation from Blacktown City Council.
In reply, Dr Graham said; “You do not know how thrilled and excited I am to accept this acknowledgement of my time in Blacktown. The changes in this City have been astounding since I first came 47 years ago. I have enjoyed enormously working with this wonderful and diverse community and if I had my time again I would not change a thing.
“This recognition would not have been possible without the dedicated staff of Eastbrooke Medical Centre and of course my family and in particular, my wife Kerry. ”
