General News
16 July, 2025
Wendy Whelan Retires
After more than three decades of service to the Gilgandra community, Wendy Whelan has officially hung up her stethoscope, retiring from the Gilgandra Medical Centre after 34 remarkable years.
Wendy’s journey began unexpectedly in 1989 when, attending an antenatal appointment, she walked out with a new job. “I went in for an appointment and came out with a job,” she laughed. “It was a different era altogether.”
Starting out as a secretary, Wendy quickly made the role her own, learning the ins and outs of the busy practice and building relationships with patients that would span generations.
Over the years, she took on many roles, including practice manager for 15 years and later as a practice nurse, where she specialised in immunisations, chronic care, and patient health support.
“I’ve loved every single day in my job,” Wendy said. “It’s been a privilege to watch generations come through the door, to be trusted with people’s stories, and to help them manage their health – especially when you see someone take charge of something like diabetes and feel empowered.”
Wendy credited the dedicated and close-knit team at the centre including long-time colleagues – for making her career so fulfilling. She also highlighted the role of mentorship and learning in her professional life, particularly from Dr Patrick Giltrap and Dr Anne Pollard.
“I’ve learnt something new every day. And that made me want to learn more – to keep finding out how things work and how we can do better for our patients.” Though her physical health led her to step back from the more physically demanding aspects of nursing, Wendy continued to contribute in meaningful ways, including preparing patients for travel vaccinations. Her only request? “If I couldn’t go to Singapore or Vietnam, at least send me a postcard!” – which many locals did.
A celebratory farewell dinner was recently held at the Royal Hotel, with colleagues past and present, friends, and family in attendance to mark the milestone.
One of the more touching moments of the night came as Wendy was gifted two memorable pieces of art – a photograph of a colourful Eastern Rosella she had long admired and used as a teaching aid in the surgery, and a painting by the late Isla Tibbits of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ when Dr Giltrap played “the wolf with high cholesterol” in a town play. This painting was already owned by Wendy, who had taken it down to the medical centre many years earlier for display – so it is fitting that it was returned to its owner. “This is a really a picture from Wendy, to Wendy,” Dr Giltrap reportedly commended upon presentation of the gift.
In retirement, Wendy plans to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures – starting with a surprise prize she won at a charity dinner: two nights in a luxury Gold Coast hotel. She also looks forward to spending time with family and enjoying social catch-ups.
Her parting message is a heartfelt thank you to the Gilgandra community. “I’ve loved my job. The patients have been so good to me – and so has the staff. I just want to say thank you.”
