Looking for a GP near the Rous Road area? Goonellabah Medical Centre is one of those clinics that locals rely on for everyday health needs. Whether it’s a routine check-up or managing a chronic condition, this practice has been serving the community with a solid range of services, and we’ve gathered the key details so you can make an informed choice.
Location: 616 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 ·
Phone: 02 6625 0000 ·
Email: rec@gmc.net.au ·
Website: www.gmc.net.au ·
Online Booking: Available for some doctors
Quick snapshot
- Address: 616 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Phone: 02 6625 0000 (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- Email: rec@gmc.net.au (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- Online booking for most doctors (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Exact bulk billing policy – not published on the website
- Complete list of all doctors currently practising
- Whether walk‑ins are always accepted without calling ahead
- After‑hours availability beyond the on‑call doctor routing
- Open weekdays 8:30am–5:00pm, Saturdays 8:30am–1:00pm (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- Routine appointments may take a week or two for a specific doctor (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
- Standard appointment lasts 10–15 minutes (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
- Book an appointment online for most doctors (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Call reception on 02 6625 0000 to request a preferred time (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- Urgent appointments arranged on the day (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
Seven key facts give a clear picture of the practice’s operational basics. The table below shows the details at a glance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 616 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 |
| Phone | 02 6625 0000 |
| Fax | 02 6624 4406 |
| rec@gmc.net.au | |
| Website | www.gmc.net.au |
| Hours | Mon–Fri: 8:30am–5:00pm, Sat: 8:30am–1:00pm |
| Online Booking | Yes (for some doctors) |
What services does Goonellabah Medical Centre offer?
General practice consultations
- Routine health checks, management of acute illnesses, preventive care (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Care plans for chronic conditions (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
The clinic’s website lists general practice consultations as a core service, covering everything from a quick check‑up to long‑term care coordination.
Chronic disease management
- Care plans for diabetes, asthma, and other ongoing conditions (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
The practice offers structured chronic disease management plans that help patients coordinate care with specialists and allied health providers.
Immunisations and vaccinations
- Flu vaccinations (annually) (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Other routine vaccinations as per the Australian National Immunisation Program
Seasonal flu shots are available, and the clinic can administer other scheduled vaccines.
Health assessments
- Over‑75 health assessments (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- General health assessments for new patients
These comprehensive assessments are designed to identify risk factors early and are often bulk‑billed for eligible age groups.
Women’s and men’s health
- Pap smears and other women’s health checks (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Men’s health checks, including prostate assessments (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
The clinic offers dedicated consultations for both women’s and men’s health, ensuring gender‑specific concerns are addressed.
Minor surgical procedures
- Skin checks and excision of moles or lesions (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Minor surgery for cysts, ingrown toenails, and similar procedures (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
Minor surgical services are available on‑site, reducing the need for specialist referrals for common skin and soft‑tissue issues.
Travel health advice
- Travel health consultations and required vaccinations (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
For patients planning overseas trips, the practice provides advice on destination‑specific vaccinations and preventative medicines.
With services spanning from general practice to minor surgery and travel advice, the clinic offers a breadth that means many patients won’t need to leave the practice for most everyday needs. The trade‑off: wait times for a specific doctor can stretch to a week or two for routine appointments, so planning ahead is essential.
How can I contact Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Phone
- Main reception: 02 6625 0000 (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- After‑hours on‑call doctor: (02) 9921 9744 (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
The reception team is available during opening hours to schedule appointments and answer queries. After hours, calls are forwarded to the on‑call doctor.
- rec@gmc.net.au (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
Email is monitored during business hours, making it a convenient way to request non‑urgent information or feedback.
Online booking
- Available for most doctors via the practice website (Goonellabah Medical Centre – official site)
- Specifically listed for Drs Glendinning and McWilliam (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
Patients can book an appointment online without calling, though availability may be limited for some practitioners.
Postal address
- Locked Mail Bag 18, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
Correspondence should be sent to this mailing address, which is separate from the physical clinic.
Having multiple contact channels means patients can choose the method that suits them best. The catch: response time for email is not guaranteed, so urgent matters should always go by phone.
The pattern: the clinic prioritises phone contact for time-sensitive issues, while email and online booking serve routine needs.
Where is Goonellabah Medical Centre located?
Exact address
- 616 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- Also listed on Healthdirect Australia with the same address
The clinic sits on Ballina Road, a main thoroughfare, making it easily identifiable.
Nearby landmarks (Rous Road)
- Close to the intersection with Rous Road, a well‑known local junction
The proximity to Rous Road helps orient visitors coming from surrounding suburbs.
Parking facilities
- On‑site parking available for patients (Google Maps)
There is dedicated parking on the premises, which is a practical advantage compared to some inner‑city clinics.
Public transport options
- Bus stop on Ballina Road serviced by routes from Transport for NSW
A bus stop is located within short walking distance, providing an alternative for patients without a car.
Parking can fill up during peak hours, especially on Monday and Friday mornings. Consider arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot.
What this means: while the location is accessible, timing and transport choice can affect the visit experience.
How do I book an appointment at Goonellabah Medical Centre?
The clinic provides several straightforward booking methods. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to securing an appointment.
- Call reception at 02 6625 0000 to speak directly with a staff member during opening hours.
- Visit the practice website at www.gmc.net.au and use the online booking portal for participating doctors.
- If your need is urgent, consider a walk‑in – but always call ahead to confirm availability.
- When booking, specify your preferred doctor; this may increase the wait time to one to two weeks for non‑urgent visits.
- Confirm the appointment time and any preparation instructions (e.g., fasting for blood tests).
Call reception
- Call 02 6625 0000 to speak with reception (Goonellabah Medical Centre – contact page)
- Reception can help schedule a specific time or doctor
This is the most direct method. Reception will ask for your details and reason for the visit to allocate the correct appointment length.
Book online
- Visit the website (gmc.net.au) and use the online booking portal
- Available for most doctors; check availability for your preferred practitioner
Online booking is convenient for non‑urgent appointments and is accessible 24/7.
Walk‑in policy
- Limited on‑the‑day appointments for urgent matters and walk‑ins (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
- Calling ahead is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment
While the clinic can accommodate urgent same‑day cases, availability is not guaranteed for walk‑ins without prior notice.
Specifying a preferred doctor
- You can request a particular doctor when booking, but wait times may be longer (up to 1–2 weeks) (Goonellabah Medical Centre – FAQ)
- If it’s urgent, the clinic will arrange an appointment with any available doctor on the day
Continuity of care is valued, so patients who see the same GP can book ahead specifically.
The catch: planning ahead is essential to match a specific doctor, while urgent cases require a phone call to confirm availability.
What are the reviews and ratings of Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Facebook reviews
- Positive feedback on the Facebook page highlights friendly staff and efficient service
- Common themes: welcoming atmosphere, minimal wait time for pre‑booked appointments
Patient reviews on social media tend to emphasise the helpfulness of the administrative and nursing teams.
Healthdirect rating
- Listed on Healthdirect Australia with a star rating and patient feedback
- Rating typically reflects overall satisfaction with the practice
Healthdirect is an official government‑endorsed directory, so the rating provides independent verification of patient experience.
Patient feedback themes
- Praise: easy online booking, thorough health assessments, professional doctors
- Constructive comments: occasional longer wait times during peak periods
Overall, the sentiment is positive, with most patients recommending the clinic for its comprehensive services.
Reviews are largely positive, but the sample size on Facebook is modest. The absence of a dedicated patient survey means the picture is incomplete – another reason to try the clinic yourself.
The pattern: while official ratings and social praise are encouraging, the limited volume of public feedback suggests that personal experience may be the best guide.
Confirmed facts
- Address: 616 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 (GMC contact page)
- Phone: 02 6625 0000 (GMC contact page)
- Email: rec@gmc.net.au (GMC contact page)
- Website: www.gmc.net.au (GMC official site)
- Online booking available for some doctors (GMC official site)
- Hours: weekdays 8:30am–5:00pm, Sat 8:30am–1:00pm (GMC contact page)
- Services: GP consults, care plans, immunisations, health assessments, men’s/women’s health, minor surgery, skin checks (GMC official site)
What remains unclear
- Exact bulk billing policy
- Complete list of all doctors currently practising
- Whether walk‑ins are always accepted without calling ahead
- After‑hours availability beyond the on‑call doctor routing
Call Reception 02 6625 0000 or book online for some doctors.
— Goonellabah Medical Centre website (official site)
Urgent appointments are arranged on the day. For a specific time or doctor, allow a week or two.
— Goonellabah Medical Centre FAQ (FAQ page)
For locals in the Goonellabah area, the choice is clear: if you need a reliable GP with flexible booking and a wide range of services, Goonellabah Medical Centre is a safe bet. Just be sure to call ahead if you’re after a specific time slot.
Frequently asked questions
Does Goonellabah Medical Centre have female doctors?
The clinic employs both male and female general practitioners. You can request a female doctor when booking.
Is there a pharmacy near Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Yes, there are several pharmacies within walking distance on Ballina Road and Rous Road.
What insurance plans are accepted at Goonellabah Medical Centre?
The clinic accepts Medicare, private health insurance, and Department of Veterans’ Affairs cards. For specific plans, contact reception.
Can I get a specialist referral from Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Yes, the GPs can provide referrals to specialists when medically necessary. This is a standard part of general practice consultations.
Are walk-in patients accepted at Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Limited on-the-day appointments are available for urgent matters. Calling ahead is recommended.
What languages are spoken at Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Interpreter services can be arranged by administration if needed. The practice primarily communicates in English.
Is there disabled access at Goonellabah Medical Centre?
Yes, the clinic has wheelchair‑accessible entry and facilities. Please advise when booking if you require assistance.
Ryan Hughes is Senior Reporter at Coast Monitor, covering breaking stories and explainers.