Two Cowra residents, Dr Peter Davidson and Nikki Kiss have been bestowed one of the highest honours in the country, the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List.
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Dr Davidson, who was awarded for his service to medicine as a general practitioner, said it is a great honour.
He noted that daily he is aware of many people who contribute way above average in their work or voluntarily who would be more deserving “so it is humbling”.
Dr Davidson was an integral part of the establishment of the Cowra Medical Associates, a founding member of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (NSW) and the Central West Division of General Practice and was awarded the Bill Hunter Award for exceptional service to the local community.
He considered the award recognition of the role rural generalists play in smaller communities and said he hoped it might make younger doctors aware of the opportunities to practice interesting and challenging medicine and to enjoy what country towns have to offer.
One of the highlights of his career has been part of the team who established Cowra Medical Associates and built the medical centre.
“We wanted a building that offered comprehensive services but was pleasant for patients, staff and clinicians,” Dr Davidson said.
“We have a fabulous practice manager and staff who do a wonderful job.
“Dr Louise Baker has had a passion for teaching and largely through her efforts we have medical students, interns and GP Registrars working in the practice.
“Hopefully this will all benefit Cowra and other rural towns in the future.”
Dr Davidson also paid tribute to his greatest supporters.
“Rural medicine is not always kind to family time, I would like to acknowledge the love and support of my wife, Susan, and three daughters,” he said.
