John MacKenzie chats with Julie McKay, Manager of Cardwell Family Practice, following the win to stay open after the practice had struggled to recruit new doctors.

John MacKenzie chats with Julie McKay, Manager of Cardwell Family Practice, following the win to stay open after the practice had struggled to recruit new doctors.

For five years to no avail, the Cardwell Family Practice had been advertising a $500,00 per year role for a full-time general practitioner. But after a long battle to stay open, the state government has announced that management will be transferred to the Townsville Hospital and the practice will be operated by Rural Health Management Services.

Julie McKay applauded the efforts of the little Cardwell community for "fighting like tigers" for what was eventually a successful outcome.