Dr Tony Balston receiving his Australia Day Certificate of Achievement and inscribed medallion from Mr Mike Horan, AM, Chairman of Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service.

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Services Australia Day Awards January 2014
by Ros Balston

Dr Peter Bristow, Chief Executive, officiated at the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Services Australia Day Award ceremony held in Toowoomba on 24 January 2014.

"It is a great day to celebrate the achievements of our health service colleagues as the nation recognises the achievements and contributions of individuals and groups to their local communities through Australia Day awards. The awards recognise the significant contribution staff make to the improvement and delivery of health services in the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service. Every day our doctors, nurses, allied health and non-clinical staff are striving to do the right thing for their patients and the wider community."

Congratulations were extended to Dr. Tony Balston, Medical Superintendent of the Jandowae Hospital for his leadership and dedication.

Dr. Balston has been the Jandowae Hospital's Medical Superintendent for the past 31 years and during that time has served on the executive and as President of the Rural Doctors' Association of Queensland, Queensland Rural Medical Support Agency (now Workforce Queensland), Southern Queensland Rural Division of General Practice (now Rhealth) Foundation Member of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Member Australian Medical Association. He was instrumental in the formation of the local ambulance station and was a member of the Rotary Club of Jandowae for 25 years, serving on the executive as well as President. He has been an active supporter of student training, encouraging junior rural doctors and always advocating on behalf of rural patients.

Dr. Tony says he is honoured that Queensland Health nominated him for this prestigious award and their recognition of the difficulty of being a solo doctor in a small rural community.

"I accept this award on behalf of a number of people and organisations that have made my tenure here sustainable. Firstly I would like to thank my wife, Rosslyn for her support and sharing the vision of comprehensive health care of this community. I recognise and thank the staff at my private practice and the hospital for their loyalty and dedication. I thank the collegiate support from my fellow rural doctors and the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland over the last 25 years since its inception.

Finally l thank the community of Jandowae for their support and understanding over the years; they have respected our privacy and the need for time off. Life in a small rural community is sustainable only when everybody helps support everyone else, and that certainly happens in Jandowae."