The areas were opened on Wednesday by Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes who also unveiled a new community health hub in the former maternity section of Yarrawonga’s hospital.

John Richards, a retired newsagent and health benefactor, who was on the hospital board for 28 years, has had a two-storey accommodation centre for trainee nurses, doctors and allied health workers named in his honour.

The late Frank Lyons, who was a Yarrawonga GP from 1962 to 2004, has had his name bestowed on a refurbished wing of the Allawah aged care centre.

His widow Terry and sons Michael, Chris and Andrew heard Yarrawonga Health chief executive Elaine Mallows laud the contribution of Dr Lyons who died at Allawah last year.

“The naming of a wing in Allawah is a fitting tribute to a man very committed to the best health care for his community,” Mrs Mallows said.

She read Dr Lyons career-reflecting entry from his personal diary on the day he retired.

“The rewards have been many and I have mixed feelings about ceasing to be a doctor,” Dr Lyons wrote.

“The positives have far outweighed the negatives. Adieu!”

Mrs Lyons said after a tour of the new wing, which has Yarrawonga’s first dementia-specific beds, she was delighted at the recognition.

“I’m very impressed and thrilled – it means Frank will be remembered,” Mrs Lyons said.

Mr Richards, 80, was surprised to have the new accommodation, which will house eight and replaces a 1970s brick home, be titled in his honour.

“I’m very humbled by it, I didn’t expect to have anything named after me,” Mr Richards said.

“I thought it might have been better if it was named after a doctor who did a lot of work with young students, Peter Keppel.

“I think he was more deserving of it than me.”

Mrs Mallows described Mr Richards’ work for the wellbeing of Yarrawonga citizens as “simply outstanding”, noting he had received an honorary doctorate from La Trobe University in 2015 in recognition of his health deeds. 

”John’s contribution to learning and knowledge in rural health and rural communities is very worthy of the naming of the student accommodation centre in his honour,” she said.