In a cosy office at the Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centre, Dr. Aaron Hawkins speaks with a blend of passion and humility about his path to becoming one of the region’s trusted GPs. Originally from Queensland, Dr. Hawkins’ journey to medicine—and eventually to the scenic town of Deloraine—was not a straight line, but rather a thoughtful journey filled with reflection, purpose, and a deep commitment to community care.
“I always wanted to be a doctor,” Dr. Hawkins begins, recalling his early aspirations. But like many young people, he had to navigate the conveyor belt of expectations, often questioning whether he was pursuing a career that truly resonated with his values. It wasn’t until he took time away from his medical studies, working as a scientist in a pharmacy, that he fully realised his passion “Preparing chemotherapy medications and working full time and just taking time away from medicine, which was really good because It did give me that space to think oh actually no, I do really want to do medicine”
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Dr. Hawkins’ story is as much about a love for medicine as it is about a love for Tasmania—a place he and his wife, Helen, chose for its unique charm and opportunities in rural medicine. Their first visit to Deloraine, he recalls, was enough to capture their hearts. “Driving over the Meander River and through the town just felt right. We knew this was the place.”
After completing his medical training in various parts of Tasmania, including stints in Burnie and Smithton, Dr. Hawkins settled in Deloraine. Here, he has not only established himself as a respected GP but also as a passionate advocate for mental health. “Mental health is definitely my passion,” he says, going on to explain how he balances this focus with the variety of work that comes with rural medicine.
Dr. Hawkins’ week is a carefully orchestrated blend of patient care, mental health advocacy, and education. On Tuesdays, he travels to Devonport to work in the community mental health clinic, a role that allows him to bridge gaps in the public health system and support GPs across the region. “It’s rewarding to work closely with other GPs, helping them navigate the complexities of mental health care for their patients.”
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hawkins is also deeply involved in the education and mentoring of the next generation of rural doctors. As an educator for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), he plays a crucial role in shaping the future of rural healthcare. “Most of what you learn as a doctor is on the job, so mentoring is key,” he says. His enthusiasm for teaching is palpable, and he speaks highly of the positive culture at the Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centre, where supporting and training doctors is a collective effort.
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Since becoming a partner at the medical centre 18 months ago, Dr. Hawkins has been instrumental in expanding the practice’s reach and impact. Under his leadership, the centre is exploring new ways to serve the wider community, including plans for outreach clinics in Mole Creek and Meander, as well as a clinic at the local high school. “It’s about thinking beyond the consult room and figuring out how we can support our community better,” he explains.
For Dr. Hawkins, creating a positive and supportive work environment is crucial not only for the well-being of the doctors but also for the quality of patient care. “Patients know when their doctor is not happy,” he says. “When we have a culture that’s really happy and positive, that gets passed on to patient care.”
Reflecting on the challenges of rural medicine, particularly in recruiting and retaining doctors, Dr. Hawkins acknowledges the changing landscape. The era of a single doctor serving a community for decades may be fading, but he sees potential in embracing this shift. “It’s rare for a community to have one doctor for 45 years now. I think that is an absolutely wonderful thing for a community and relationship with patients. But unfortunately it’s not a common reality anymore. Now, a successful recruitment is when doctors stay for 10 years and moves on for the next part of their life. I think a lot of places are turning to that.”
As he considers the future of the Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centre, Dr. Hawkins remains committed to building a team of passionate and dedicated doctors. “The last thing we want is for the practice to get in the way of the doctor-patient relationship. When doctors feel fulfilled in their work, they stay.”
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Hawkins is a devoted family man who finds joy in the simple pleasures of Deloraine. From spending time with his young children at the train park to enjoying treats at the Deloraine Town Bakery, he has fully embraced the community that he now calls home.
For Dr. Hawkins, Deloraine is more than just a place to practice medicine—it’s where he’s planted his roots and found a true sense of belonging. As he continues to care for the community and mentor the next generation of rural doctors, it’s clear that all of Deloraine and Westbury and the Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centre are all in good hands.
