AS a former zoologist, expedition guide and passionate photographer, the walls of Dr Mike Bruorton’s Hawkins Medical Clinic office are filled with images he has taken up-close to the world’s most-fascinating and dangerous creatures.
This experience paired with his gentle nature has helped Dr Bruorton build animals’ trust to capture wonderful images while touring through South Africa.
“There has to be something that captures your attention and usually in animals that is the eyes,” he said.
“Either you do that with a big lens or you be careful with how you approach them.”
While each image holds special memories, Dr Bruorton plans to again use a selection of his favourites as part of the annual Hawkins Medical Clinic calendar, which will raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Averaging two flights to the city every day, the RFDS helps Limestone Coast residents access medical treatment not available within the region, assisting with numerous emergencies and treatments.
Working previously in both pediatrics and emergency services in the Mount Gambier region, Dr Bruorton has seen it all.
“All of us may need the service at some stage and we all know someone who has used them,” he said.
“It’s a service that needs continued support.”
It is for these reasons that it came as a unanimous decision by the clinic, which was recently named the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) general practice of the year, to continue supporting the RFDS as the recipient of the calendar’s funds.
Just last week, the RFDS received a new $7m Pilatus PC-12 aircraft which will be in use as a flying intensive care unit by February.
The plane’s arrival, replacing an older aircraft after clocking almost 15,000 hours of aeromedical service, comes as the Limestone Coast community rallies behind the proposed $500,000 RFDS patient transfer facility at Mount Gambier Airport.
Mount Gambier RFDS Support Group chair Bill Russon welcomed the clinic’s support, with funds going directly towards the new transfer hangar for the Limestone Coast community.
The facility will be a major target for fundraising in 2020.
Mr Russon said he was “thrilled” community members such as Hawkins Clinic choose to help the service in such a significant way.
“It’s a true testament of what happens when a community rallies together,” he said.
The calendar has now become an anticipated turn of the year for patients, friends and the wider community as they are able to see the stunning images Dr
Bruorton captures every trip, while doing their part to support the service.
The last calendar raised $2000 for the service and the clinic hopes the new addition will do the same.
“It is reassuring to know that if someone really needs them quickly, the RFDS will be there soon,” Dr Bruorton said.
The 2020 calendars are on sale for $15 at Hawkins Medical Clinic.
