WHEN the dust settled after the 2016 Census, Tea Gardens made national headlines as the oldest town in Australia, the average age of our locals, 65 years young.

While it’s a mecca for retirees, it’s nice to know Tea Gardens will soon be home to a new young family and a welcome addition to the town.

Dr Taimoor Rashmeed has just started work at the Ochre Medical Centre.

The 31 year old is juggling two jobs at the moment, three days a week in Tea Gardens while he works out his notice at a practice in Blacktown.

“Sydney has been good but it’s become very hectic,” Dr Rashmeed told News Of The Area.

Originally from Pakistan, Dr Rashmeed completed his medical studies in the hospital system in Adelaide before moving to the East Coast.

With his wife and 8 month old son, Dr Rashmeed says he was drawn to Tea Gardens by the lifestyle and the chance to become a family G.P.

“As a GP you get to know your patients, in the hospital system you rarely get to follow up.”

“I’ve met GP’s who have had patients, generation after generation, so they get to know the mother, father, grandparents and children.”

“To have that relationship with a patient is very rewarding.”

Dr Rashmeed will soon be working full time in Tea Gardens and believes his work and training in hospitals and general practice will stand him in good stead.

“The training that I have had fits in with the patients I will have here, from young families to the elderly.”

 

By Margie TIERNEY