Community & Business
14 October, 2024
30 Years of Goondir
Goondir Health held a gala dinner at the Oakey Cultural Centre on recently to celebrate 30 years of serving Southern Queensland’s Indigenous communities.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud was an attendee, along with Goondir CEO Floyd Leedie and other leaders. Employee John Walker was celebrated for his 11 years of employment with the service.
Goondir employs up to 55 staff and covers a service area of approximately 72,000 square kilometres servicing 4,000-plus clients. Since its inception in April 1994, the service has increased in size to accommodate the growing demand for health services and meet varying health trends.
Goondir Health Services’ Medical Clinics are located in the towns of Chinchilla, Dalby, Oakey and St George.
Other communities of interest include Jandowae, Surat, Dirranbandi, Thallon, Tara and their surrounding areas. The service offers programs such as Wanna Yarn Wanna Cut mobile barbershop, and Big Buddy Indigenous Youth mentorship.
Goondir's Oakey branch opened in 2014, on the site of the old Dollar Sizzler store at 110 Campbell Street.
The inaugural team was made up of Dr Janice Polotan, Team Leader Henry Cora, Allied Health Workers Nathan Thomas and Richard McCarthy.
The word ‘Goondir’ means medicine man, and the service’s company logo depicts a traditional Aboriginal healer.
Currently, local Jennifer Wharton is Acting Clinic Manager of the Practice.
“(We had) plenty of speeches (and it) was a great night,” Ms Wharton said.
