Well-known doctor recognised

A well-known Gordonvale doctor will be recognised for his service to the community through the naming of a local park.

Council today resolved to rename the park, known as Hospital Park, located at Blackwell Street and Highleigh Road, Gordonvale, to Doc Davis Park.

Raymond James Davis, or Doc Davis as he was known to locals, treated local patients at both the Gordonvale Hospital and his own private practice at his home for over 50 years. He migrated to Australia from the UK in 1956 and commenced a position as the medical superintendent at Gordonvale Hospital in 1957, whilst also opening a private practice in front of his house in Templeton Street.

Doc Davis took on additional responsibilities from 1973 to 1991 where he was the Commonwealth Medical Officer at Yarrabah.  Indigenous health was very important to him and he lobbied politicians and government officials to improve the medical services available to Yarrabah people.

He achieved life membership of the Australian Medical Association and The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. Education was one of his passions and he sponsored many Gordonvale students and was involved in lobbying for Gordonvale State High School which was established in 1965.

Doc Davis passed away in 2012.