Founding and Early Years (1931–1941)
1931 – Foundation of Lister House
Dr Reginald Orchestron Mills establishes Lister House, a white weatherboard home at 110 Corio Street, corner of Nixon Street, Shepparton.
Named in honour of Sir Joseph Lister (1827–1912), pioneer of antiseptic surgery.
Land purchased from Jack Avery (optometrist), marking the beginning of nearly a century of local medical care.
1931–1941
The practice operates from its original Nixon Street location.
1941 – Relocation to 157 Maude Street
Moves to two adjoining two-storey brick buildings.
The upper floor serves as a doctor’s residence for Dr Mills and his wife, Dorne.
Dr Alec Taylor joins post-WWII, becoming a prominent local obstetrician and gynaecologist.
Growth and GP-led hospital era (1950–1979)
1950s
The Shepparton Base Hospital is constructed.
Lister House doctors provide anaesthetics, obstetric, surgical and inpatient care—reflecting the then GP-led hospital model at the Mooroopna and District Base Hospital (which was founded in 1976).
1960
Dr Peter Levin joins the practice (circa 1960s).
1963 – Dr Roger Key joins as a locum.
1964 – Dr Key becomes an assistant.
1965 – Dr Key becomes a partner.
1968 – Dr Graeme Jones joins after working at the Mooroopna and District Hospital, later becoming a partner.
The Shepparton Base hospital began it its current location (obstetrics, outpatients and pathology).
1973 – Family Medicine Program
Lister House joins the National Family Medicine Program, establishing its role as a training practice.
1974 – Expansion and regional events
January – Dr John Pedrotti joins; later becomes a partner.
March – Dr Bruce Stirling joins; later becomes a partner.
Severe flooding in Shepparton; doctors assist in protecting Mooroopna and District Hospital.
Closure of Mooroopna and District Hospital, with services transitioning to Shepparton Base Hospital.
Teaching, training and expansion (1980–1989)
1981
Dr Paul O’Dwyer begins training under the Family Medicine Program.
1985
Dr O’Dwyer becomes a partner.
Mid-1980s
Dr Krista Tavcar and Dr Jeneane Rae become the first female practitioners at Lister House.
1980s
Transition begins from GP-led to specialist-led hospital care at Goulburn Valley Hospital.
1989 – Return to Nixon Street
Lister House relocates to 65 Nixon Street (north side).
Begins transition from small patient cards to A4 medical records.
Modernisation and Service Growth (1990–2009)
Early 1990s
Dr Ursula Russell and Dr Glen Russell join as registrars under Dr Graeme Jones.
Obstetrics remains a core clinical service.
1995
Dr Glen Russell becomes a partner.
1997
Shepparton Base Hospital renamed Goulburn Valley Base Hospital.
1998
Formation of Goulburn Valley Health (GV Health)
2005 – Expansion to 60 Nixon Street
Additional consulting rooms, two procedure theatres, and expanded nursing/admin teams.
Teaching practice and clinical expansion (2010–2019)
2011
Expansion to 56 Nixon Street (south side), creating a unified 56–60 Nixon Street site.
Dr Chik Chua (current partner) joins the team.
Dr Mohan Kulatunga (current partner) joins, specialising in GP obstetrics.
2012
Dr Lang Lang Yii (current partner) joins, specialising in women’s health.
2018
Dr Abdul Kereem Shaik (current partner) joins—experienced in dermatoscopy and a wide range of health areas.
Throughout the 2010s
Development of a robust teaching program for GP registrars and medical students from the University of Melbourne.
Introduction of weekly Tuesday clinical meetings for continuous professional development.
Nursing team expands, focusing on chronic disease management.
Transition to a New Era (2020–2025)
2020
Dr Ibby Munu (partner) joins, bringing a strong focus on community health.
2022
Lister House ceases GP-delivered obstetric services after over 90 years—marking the end of a defining era.
2025 (Present Day)
Lister House comprises:
- 16 practising doctors
- A multidisciplinary nursing team
- Strong administrative support
Key Primary Services include:
- Primary care
- Chronic disease management
- Skin cancer detection and treatment
- Aged care and palliative care
- Maintains status as a regional GP training centre, hosting approx. four registrars annually and 2-3 students from multiple universities annually.
November 2025 – Planned Relocation
Lister House to relocate to a purpose-built medical facility at Shelby Court, North Shepparton.
Features:
- Expanded clinical space
- State-of-the-art nursing centre
- Dedicated Teaching and Learning Wing
- Room for Stage 2 which includes plans for additional health related services
- Key medical practitioners – past and present
