Blacktown City Council has paid tribute to a retiring doctor on an extraordinary career helping the Whalan community.
Dr Anselm Kuok retired this month as the long-standing General Practice Doctor at his Whalan medical clinic after close to four decades at the practice.
The much-respected doctor announced it was time to hang up his stethoscope and spend more time with his family following a remarkable 36 years serving the people of Whalan.
Dr Kuok migrated from Malaysia as a child with his family in 1968 and completed his medical degree at the University of Sydney in 1982.
In 1985, he started his General Medical Practice in Whalan where he worked for the remainder of his career.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated Dr Kuok on his incredible service to the community through his medical work.
"For decades, Dr Kuok has been a rock for his community, helping local families over several generations," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"After establishing his Whalan clinic in the mid-1980s, he never left, and carved out an extraordinary career.
"Dr Kuok was very well loved by the patients for whom he cared. Now, aged 80 years, I thank Dr Kuok and wish him a very happy retirement."
Councillors Brad Bunting and Carol Israel also congratulated Dr Kuok on his service.
"As we move forward into the 21st Century, we get less and less of these types of doctors and GPs that you can rely on as more and more are going into medical centres, Cr Bunting said.
"GPs in the local area, especially the Mount Druitt area, are really important. They're there to look after not only individuals but whole families. I wish Dr Kuok all the best in his retirement."
Cr Israel said, "Dr Kuok was a true community servant.
"He would travel two hours to and from work every day to see his patients in his surgery.
"I truly appreciate his service and I hope he enjoys the extra time to spend with his grandchildren."
Council extends its deepest congratulations to Dr Kuok.
Picture: Blacktown City Councillor Brad Bunting presents Dr Kuok with a Council certificate of recognition upon his retirement.
