July 22, 2024
Blackbutt residents gathered to thank a much-loved couple on Friday whose impact on the local community will last for decades.
Dr Daphene Connor and Jeff Connor have been the heart and soul of the Blackbutt and Benarkin area for nearly 20 years.
Dr Connor provided much-needed GP services while Jeff managed the clinic.
But their community involvement extended far beyond the walls of their GP practice.
For many years, Jeff was president of the Bloomin’ Beautiful Blackbutt (Avocado Festival) committee.
And he is still chairing the Blackbutt and Benarkin Aged Care Association which opened two new two-bedroom independent living units at the Scott Haven complex four years ago.
The couple took over the former Nanango Council-run Timbertown Medical Centre in 2005.
In 2013, they built the new Blackbutt Medical Centre at the corner of Pine and Coulson streets at a cost of $750,000.
The new building incorporated spaces for more GPs and included a co-located pharmacy.
The couple sold the practice to the Medical First Group in 2022, however Dr Daphene remained on site.
Jeff has now decided to retire, so the couple are moving full-time to Brisbane where Dr Daphene plans to continue working part-time.
However, Jeff – who is a Life Member of the Bloomin’ Beautiful committee – has promised he will be back to help at this year’s Avocado Festival.
“This is not the end. It is the beginning of a new road,” he said.
Blackbutt Medical Centre practice manager Sharyn Smyth said the Medical First Group had decided to name the waiting room as “Connor Corner” to honour the couple and leave a lasting legacy.
A plaque was unveiled by Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington at the afternoon tea on Friday.
Staff members, patients and Jeff’s colleagues from the Avocado Festival and Aged Care committees joined with South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff and local councillor Linda Little in congratulating the couple.
“On behalf of our community, I thank both of you from the bottom of our hearts,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I also want to thank the new owners of the medical centre, and Sharyn and her team.”
The Medical First Group currently operates 14 medical practices, and recently took over the South Burnett Medical Centre in Avoca Street, Kingaroy, which has five GPs.
There are currently four GPs at the Blackbutt practice.
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