Pieter Pretorius awarded for long service to EGHS

East Grampians Health Service Visiting Medical Officer Dr Pieter Pretorius was awarded for 20 years of service to EGHS at the 30^th Annual General Meeting.

Dr Pretorius has been a cornerstone of rural healthcare in Ararat since his arrival from South Africa in 2004. Moving with his wife, Ane, and their three young daughters, Dr Pretorius quickly became an integral part of the medical and wider community.

In 2005, he became a partner of the Ararat Medical Centre, where he has built a long-standing practice providing comprehensive care to the community.

As part of his GP work, he provided obstetric care at EGHS, including caesarean sections, until 2023, supporting countless families through some of the most important moments of their lives.

He has also served as a Visiting Medical Officer at East Grampians Health Service since 2004, contributing his skills and commitment to hospital-based care.

Dr Pretorius’ dedication to teaching has been equally profound. From the earliest days of Deakin University’s Rural Clinical School 15 years ago, he has played a pivotal role in the education and training of future doctors.

Today, he continues to guide the next generation of rural practitioners as the Regional Supervisor for Deakin University, while also mentoring GP registrars in their clinical training.

With his dedication to both patient care and medical education, Dr Pretorius has made a lasting contribution to rural healthcare and to the Ararat community he has called home for over 20 years.

EGHS Chief Executive Nick Bush thanked all Visiting Medical Officers for their contribution to EGHS.

“Our visiting medical staff continue to play a vital role in providing the services we deliver to our community, and once again, thank you for your contribution,” he said.

“We also thank their partners and families, as I am sure when the phone rings in the middle of the night they know they are supporting EGHS as well.

“Thank you Pieter, for your great support to East Grampians Health Service and the community for 20 years.”