Ingham Family Medical Practice
Supporting those who care for us:
A story of resilience and recovery
Floods couldn't stop them: Rural doctors step up in Ingham's time of crisis
In early 2025, Ingham, a tight-knit town in North Queensland, faced its most devastating flood in decades.
Torrential rains submerged homes, severed communication lines, and left the community grappling with unprecedented challenges. Even though many of their own homes were flooded, the team at Ingham Family Medical Practice were committed to looking after their patients working to provide essential healthcare services amidst overwhelming obstacles.
Dr Brett Scott, who has led the Ingham Family Medical Practice for over two decades, recalled the harrowing experience. “We lost power, our vaccine supplies were compromised, and access to the clinic was nearly impossible.
Yet, the community needed us more than ever. We had to find a way to continue.”
Well versed in responding to flood emergencies, Rural Doctors Foundation offered support, providing critical funding to restore medical services. We supplied essential equipment to replace what was lost so the clinic could remain open to care for the community – even more critical at this devastating time.
Rural Doctors Foundation also extended a personal hardship grant to one of the clinic’s dedicated GPs, Dr Sam Ranaweera.
Sam juggled caring for his patients, cleaning up his home and being a father to his five young children including a new born. His family lost many of their personal belongings in the floodwaters.
This underscores our commitment to caring for those who care for others. Fran Avon, our CEO emphasised the importance of our work in emergency relief.
“Our rural doctors are the backbone of their communities. In times of natural disaster, they don’t just treat patients; they hold the community together. Supporting them in their time of need is not just our purpose —it’s our privilege”.
Our experience in disaster response is extensive. In 2019 and sadly again in 2022, we supported flood-affected health practitioners in Townsville and Lismore, directing vital funds to impacted rural practices to help them begin the long process of rebuilding—restocking supplies, replacing essential medical equipment, and helping medical practice and their medical teams get back on their feet.
We also provide emergency funding to assist disaster-affected rural doctors so they are there for the people they care for. Dr Sam was grateful for such support.
“In the midst of restoring our home and caring for patients, the Foundation’s support was a lifeline. It reminded me and my family that we weren’t alone.”
Dr Sam Ranaweera
Tools to aid in recovery
To aid in flood recovery, the Foundation has developed a suite of resources, including webinars and checklists, to support those living in rural communities. These resources focus on what to do when a GP practice is impacted by a flood, offering practical advice from those who have experienced similar challenges.
As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the role of organisations like ours becomes increasingly vital.
Support from Rural Doctors Foundation and other like-minded organisations not only restores healthcare services but also reinforces the spirit of community and resilience.
More stories of those we help
Dr Katie Chang is a rural doctor based in Western Queensland. With her husband, Paul, they made the brave decision to leave the public health system and set up their own private practice in Charleville.
Dr Cam Hollows is used to responding to emergencies, having experienced the Lismore floods first hand. Rural Doctors Foundation equipped Cam with the right equipment to better respond in the future.
In rural and remote Australia, medical care can be limited, with distance making it difficult for emergency health services to arrive quickly.