The Rural Medical Service Awards recognise GPs who have provided 35 years or more of medical service to the people of rural, regional and remote NSW.

The awards were presented by the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) during its annual Rural GPs Conference dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Coogee Beach on Saturday night.

The couple practice at Brook Medical Centre and provide Visiting Medical Officer emergency care at Muswellbrook District Hospital, with Dr Rickard-Bell also offering procedural skills in obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Dr Rickard Bell and Dr Mullins each hold Fellowship with both Australian Medical Council accredited general practice colleges; the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

The GPs are also actively involved in many facets of rural general practice and dedicated teachers and GP supervisors, having trained many junior doctors.

RDN CEO Richard Colbran said Dr Rikard-Bell and Dr Mullins had each made a significant contribution to their rural community by providing high quality continuity of care.

“Dr Mullins and Dr Rikard-Bell mentor and support medical students and GP registrars, providing opportunities for the future rural medical workforce to participate in their practice,” he explained.

“It is rare for rural doctors to be formally recognised for the outstanding contribution they make to their community and acknowledged for the work they do.

“This award provides a unique opportunity for the people of Muswellbrook to acknowledge the difference that Dr Rikard-Bell and Dr Mullins make to the health and wellbeing of the community.”

The presentation dinner was attended by more than 200 guests, representing GPs from across rural, regional and remote NSW, the award recipients and their families.