Warialda Health Service Manager Sharon Baker could barely contain her excitement when she learned of Dr Clem Gordon and Dr Dianne Coote’s award as the Australian Rural Doctor of the Year, from the Rural Doctors Association Australia (RDAA).

"This award is richly deserved and I cannot be more proud of both of them," Mrs Baker said.

"We have an excellent working relationship with our GP's and this goes such a long way towards a very happy and smooth working environment.

"Drs Gordon and Coote received the Award for their exceptional service, which always goes above and beyond the call of duty. The Award also looked at length of service and community involvement – both of which have been exceptional as well," she said

Mrs Baker said only a month ago Drs Gordon and Coote received a ‘Heroes of Health’ award from Hunter New England Health, for the part they played in the treatment of the young survivors involved in the fatal car crash earlier this year.

"It has been a very big year – lots of joy and sadness. It is fabulous to see our local doctors being recognised for their outstanding efforts for this community," Mrs Baker said.

"Last week our Chief Executive Dr Nigel Lyons visited Warialda, and said that he was impressed with the positive and supportive relationship which was evident between the health service staff and Drs Gordon and Coote.

"It really is very exciting," she said.

Mrs Baker said the Warialda GPs received their award in Canberra last Saturday night at the Rural Doctors Association Australia awards night.