Stalwart of community care

Dr Bill Gransbury has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding service to the community of Angaston.

He served as a GP in the Barossa town for 33 years until his retirement in 2019. During that time, he provided obstetrics and anaesthetics services to the local community and also served as the Angaston Football Club doctor.

‘I was the Club doctor for 25 years in a voluntary capacity, but it was certainly a way to connect in the community,’ Dr Gransbury says.

‘Sporting clubs, particularly the Angaston Football Club, are a great spot for socialisation and a healthy lifestyle.’

In 2021, Dr Gransbury played a key role in establishing Enhanced Barossa Mental Health, a regional charity dedicated to mental‑health support, suicide prevention, and reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs. It is a cause close to his heart.

‘I’ve lost two colleagues to suicide – both fellow doctors,’ Dr Gransbury says.
‘I also have lived experience of dealing with mental health, and I could see there was a gap in the community as far as support for people with mental health issues.’

Despite a lifetime of dedication to his patients and community, Dr Gransbury says he was surprised and ‘chuffed’ to receive the OAM.

‘I was very honoured… to be nominated in the first place, and then to receive recognition from the Governor General – I must admit that gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling,’ he says.

‘I certainly appreciate the support of the community, in particular my colleagues in the Angaston Medical Centre.

‘I couldn’t have done any of the work I’ve done without the support of my wife Trish and my family.’