It was in 2016 that our founder, Dr Floyd Gomes, stumbled upon Jindivick, a town nestled in trees and paddocks, high on a hill.  The picturesque setting was compelling itself and then he stumbled on “Jack’s” which was the property, previously used as a fine dining restaurant, where the clinic now sits.  Set on 2 acres of gardens, complete with fish pond (with fish), the 100 year old heritage home oozed character.  More than that, it oozed potential to create not just a medical clinic, but a true refuge for the soul.  Indeed, the vision of a space that provided therapy on walking in the doors.  Over the next 4 years, Jack’s was reinvented as the medical clinic and in 2020 Atticus Health Jindivick came to be.

Jindivick (said to be Aboriginal for burnt asunder) is a town rich in arts and produce.  In the 1860s, Joseph Jackson blazed a path now described as Jacksons Track forming the basis of the main drag of the town. In 1877 a general store and school was opened.  Back then, local sawmills supported the timber industry.  These days, the surrounding area mainly comprises dairy farms which additionally produce a range gourmet cheeses ad Jindivick Primary school is thriving, has about 59 happy students and a great reputation.

Of significance, Jindivick became known more recently when Daryl Tonkin published his memoirs.  Daryl had set up a timber mill in Jindivick in 1936 and he spent most of his days with the Jacksons Track Aboriginal community.  Members of this community included the Roses and their son, Lionel Rose went on to become the world bantam weight boxing champion in 1968.  Daryl was his uncle by marriage.

Finally, no conversation about Jindivick should be had without mention of the Jindi Caf.  Its owns Sue and Bryan are dear friends of ours, and indeed that relationship has been strengthened since the relocation of the Jindi Caf onto the property where the medical clinic is located at 1070 Jacksons Track, creating a beautiful, vibrant shared space and focal point for the town.

How far to go back?

Well, I guess it all started in 2010 when I saw the old “Boatshed Café” for sale across the road from Carrum Station. The house behind the café was being sold with it. I took a walk down to the Patterson River, fell in love with the whole thing, signed away and thought, this is beautiful.
Business plan – what business plan?

When it comes to healthcare, from the outset, we consider first the whole person or organisation, their goals and aspirations. A deep understanding of that allows for the best decisions and outcomes to be reached in partnership after all. With this mentality, we’ve been able to grow. Grow, yet stay humble, still.

The areas we have grown into reflect areas in which we think we can make a real difference and feel highly motivated to be involved with. These areas are:

Medical clinics.  We run several GP clinics.  This is where we started and continue to persevere, always striving for improvement.

Corporate health.  We are happy to work with motivated workplaces to help maximise the health outcomes of their employee base.  We consider that workplaces have relevance to and potential input in the health and well being of a community.  We conduct our corporate health services with due independence and impartiality, yet at the same time seek to foster a mutual sense of purpose and transparent communication for the benefit of all parties.

Aged Care.  We consider the frail and elderly to be particular members of the community who we have a responsibility to care for.  From humble beginnings we have grown to supply GP services to nearly 1000 patients living in retirement villages and nursing homes around Melbourne.  In particular we are the main provider of GP services to nursing homes on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.  Within aged care, our mission is to deliver a 24/7 medical service. We coordinate this by accepting all calls anytime via 1800 ATTICUS (1800 288 4287).  Through the cultivation of a strong reputation for quality and compassion over many years, we have seen this area of our business grow substantially.

Telehealth.  By attending to matters in a flexible manner by the exchange of images or conversation digitally, we have grown accustomed to creating solutions remotely.  This concept, “Telehealth”, does improve efficiency, accessibility and timeliness of health care.  It is for this reason that we now offer telehealth services nationwide – it simply makes good sense.

One thing has remained constant throughout, that is, our commitment to getting to know and understand communities. As a provider of medical services, fundamentally we learn so much about the fabric of a community. We share in its ups and downs. As such, we feel compelled to promote deeper, meaningful community spirit. And, we recognise how great an impact this potentially and actually has on the outcomes of health – for the individual and for the collective. Our story then, is very much that of being one with the community.