Dr. Paul Mara would be taking over the reins left behind by Dr. Nola Maxfield as the new president for the RDAA. It needs to be noted that nearly three decades ago, Dr. Mara was one of the key people involved in setting up the RDAA.

The announcement regarding the succession of Dr. Mara was announced in Hobart, during the Rural Medicine conference. Apart from the announcement made regarding the appointment of Dr. Mara, there were a few awards handed out as well.

The annual Rural Doctor of the Year award was bestowed on the obstetrician Dr. Pieter Mourik from Wodonga. While talking about the contributions made by Dr. Mourik, Dr. Maxfield stated that Dr. Mourik had left a never ending impression on medical science because of his endless endeavors and hard work towards rural healthcare.

She further added that Dr. Mourik was one of those guys, who was extremely dedicated towards providing the best care in Rural Australia and that his energy would definitely rub on other doctors as well. He has been awarded for innovativeness by becoming a consultant support to obstetricians in Aldbury-Wodonga region.

The brilliance of Mourik has resulted in Wodonga having 13 enthusiastic obstetricians, who are supported by four specialists.