GREATNESS AWAITS WAGGA WAGGA DOCTOR

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says Wagga Wagga doctor Matthew Lennon is destined for greatness after being awarded the inaugural John Monash Foundation Tim Fischer AC Scholarship.

Mr McCormack was on hand to congratulate Dr Lennon, who was awarded the prestigious scholarship at a reception at Parliament House on Tuesday night.

“Dr Lennon is an exemplary young man who is doing great things,” Mr McCormack said.

“This scholarship allows Matthew to study for a Master of Neuroscience and to bring that knowledge and expertise back to Wagga Wagga to further assist rural and regional communities.

“Dementia is an awful condition and I commend Matthew for having the drive and passion to dedicate his time to do research in this important field.”

Mr McCormack said it was encouraging to see the 25-year-old, who comes from a family of medical professionals, choose to stay in Wagga Wagga after studying medicine at the local University of New South Wales Rural Clinical School. He graduated with the University Medal and first class honours in neuroscience.

“Wagga Wagga is very lucky to have Dr Lennon working in the city,” Mr McCormack said.

“He grew up in Sydney and completed his training in Wagga Wagga. He has decided to stay here with his young family and has already made a significant impact in the local community by winning the Wagga Wagga Young Citizen of the Year for his work as the founder of the Doctors for Rural Education and Medicine, which aims to provide mentoring and inspiration for medical students to train and become doctors in rural and regional Australia.

“Dr Lennon will change the world; I have no doubt about it.”

Judy Brewer, the wife of former Deputy Prime Minster, the late Tim Fischer AC, was on hand to present the award to Dr Lennon.