The history of general practice in Hunters Hill is as old as the suburb itself.
The original doctor in the suburb, a man named Dr Jenner Plomley, was a signatory on the petition to the colonial government requesting permission for Hunters Hill to become a municipality in 1860. We was a doctor and artist who exhibited fifty stereographic views of the Hunters Hill area and natural environment at the London International Exhibition in 1862.
The history of medicine in Hunters Hill, however, dates back much earlier than the official formation of the municipality in 1861. Henley was formerly known as Blandville after, Dr William Bland who settled locally in 1837. He had qualified as a surgeon's mate in the navy in 1809 and was promoted to the rank of naval surgeon in 1812. He was also a local politician and the first president of the Australian Medical Association formed in 1859.
In recent years, 2 long serving doctors retired from Hunters Hill Medical Practice, Dr Tony Keane (30+ years) and Dr Andrew Bowes (40+ years). Both continue to be fondly remembered by patients and staff.
A history of Medicine and General Practice in Hunters Hill can be obtained from this fascinating research paper by Dominic Bowes in 2012. Dr Andrew Bowes upon his retirement also presented to the historical society about the history of medicine in the colony and at Hunters Hill.
