Dr Michael Ling – 40 years of dedication to community

Eighty friends and colleagues of Dr Michael Ling attended the celebration of the doctor’s 40 years of service to the medical sector at a celebratory dinner held at the Narrabri Bowling Club on Saturday, July 15.

Dr Ling first arrived in Narrabri in March 1984, driving a Datsun 120Y – with a blanket, two pillows and a traditional paper map, and the story of his medical career in the district began.

The event was organised by enrolled nurse Traci Morley, who wishes to give special thanks to Club Narrabri staff Amanda and Sharon Goodhew, and Sandra Pattison.

Some had travelled great distances to attend the celebrations, with the furthest travelled from Canberra.

Speeches were made by long-time colleagues Laurel Hetherington, Carlene Quirk, Michelle Wilkinson and Alison Chapman.

Mrs Chapman spoke on behalf of Margaret Constable of Wee Waa Hospital, where Dr Ling undertook locum work to help the local community. Mrs Constable unfortunately was unwell and unable to attend the festivities.

Mrs Quirk described the quiet, shy man who arrived in Narrabri, and her gradual insight into his wicked sense of humour.

Ms Wilkinson spoke of Dr Ling’s quirky phrases and humour, and how he would always be there when you needed him – no questions asked.

Dr Ling responded with a heartfelt message to his colleagues and friends.

Known fondly by his colleagues as a man of few words, he said he was humbled by the number of guests before him, and thanked his wife Jennifer for always being by his side.

He spoke of kindness, and not wasting one’s life but following your dreams.

There was not a dry eye in the room.

A humorous cake alluding to Dr Ling’s catchphrase of ‘One more day’ was made and decorated by registered nurse Robyn Allen with a congratulatory card, designed as a replica of a medical record, made by quality manager Janet Pope.

A quiet achiever who always treated everyone the same, there was no doubt Dr Ling will be truly missed.

Dr Ling received a silver engraved plate from Dr Rohana on behalf of the Bridge Medical team.

Gifts from Narrabri Hospital staff, past and present, included an engraved gold pocket watch, Dior cologne and some humorous gifts – personalised Crocs and socks, stethoscope pyjamas, a doctor’s coffee cup and a photo book filled with personal messages from staff.

Trinity Westman (dressed as Dr Ling) with the retirement cake. Trinity Westman (dressed as Dr Ling) with the retirement cake.

Back, Dr Rohana Wanasinghe, Dr Dilini Pathiratne, front, Dr Michael Ling and Jennifer Ling. Back, Dr Rohana Wanasinghe, Dr Dilini Pathiratne, front, Dr Michael Ling and Jennifer Ling.

Back, Trad Westman, middle, Jo Westman and Robyn Allen, front, Sue Stove. Back, Trad Westman, middle, Jo Westman and Robyn Allen, front, Sue Stove.

Back, Monique Newton, Ian Schweitzer, front, Abbie Anderson, Lindy Middleton and Elizabeth Kenny-Walsh. Back, Monique Newton, Ian Schweitzer, front, Abbie Anderson, Lindy Middleton and Elizabeth Kenny-Walsh.

Judy Michell, Renice Baker and Sophie McFarland. Judy Michell, Renice Baker and Sophie McFarland.

Back, Kathleen Palmer, Maria McDonnell, front, Lyn Rees, Sally Bates, Janice Anderson and Laurel Hetherington. Back, Kathleen Palmer, Maria McDonnell, front, Lyn Rees, Sally Bates, Janice Anderson and Laurel Hetherington.

Jan Worley, Di Browning, Jenny Crutcher, Debbie Gleeson. Kim Summers, Sandra Duncan, Debbie Reid and Jenny Gordon. Jan Worley, Di Browning, Jenny Crutcher, Debbie Gleeson. Kim Summers, Sandra Duncan, Debbie Reid and Jenny Gordon.

Margaret Guest, Ros Brown, Ros Houguet, Lyn Wonders, Kay Holland, Margaret Wilson and Yvonne Wall. Margaret Guest, Ros Brown, Ros Houguet, Lyn Wonders, Kay Holland, Margaret Wilson and Yvonne Wall.

Rachel McWhirter, Phoebe Stanford, Gena McInnes, Penny Towns, Jordan Guest, Alysse Pownall, Emily Bailey and Tarni Reynolds. Rachel McWhirter, Phoebe Stanford, Gena McInnes, Penny Towns, Jordan Guest, Alysse Pownall, Emily Bailey and Tarni Reynolds.