Community key for GP

WHEN Dr Rimas Liubinas talks about being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours list, he’s quick to acknowledge the importance of family.

“My late parents, who arrived in Australia post World War Two as refugees, would be thrilled as they instilled values of hard work, and helping others,” he said.

“My amazing wife, Jayne, has been my rock throughout my life with her continuous support with my work, and raising our four wonderful children, in spite of the 60-plus hours of work per week.

“I am very fortunate to receive this service award.”

With a degree in medicine, Dr Liubinas has been a general practitioner for nearly 30 years.

During that time he’s taken on education and leadership roles within the specialty, including teaching and support of medical students and registrars as well as membership of the Ballarat Division of General Practice.

Currently based at The Ballarat Group Practice in Wendouree, he said it’s a workplace that’s allowed him to flourish as a professional, and a person.

“The Ballarat Group Practice has provided an ideal environment to work with a cohort of dedicated professional staff from the front desk to management, and from the nurses to the doctors.

“This group has fostered and supported the goal of caring and health management of our patients, making general practice so rewarding,” he said.

But it not just medicine where Dr Liubinas has made an impact on the Ballarat community as he’s been a board member of the KIDS Foundation since 2004 and was made a life member in 2012.

He’s also been a player and coach at the Ballarat Celtic Tigers Basketball Club, was a member of the Ballarat Choral Society, on the advisory committee of the Ballarat Aquatic Centre and was an honorary president of the Ballarat YMCA Swimming Club.

“There are many exceptional people whom you meet along the way that share service values, and for which I’m indebted,” Dr Liubinas said.

“My thanks to all these people who have helped make our community safer and healthier.”