Peter Rischbieth AM honoured for his service to rural health

Peter Rischbieth has spent his life helping others, and now the nation has acknowledged his service.

The retired Murray Bridge GP was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday honours list for 2025.

As well as serving as a general practitioner at Bridge Clinic from 1987 until his retirement last year, Dr Rischbieth spent 21 years as the principal medical officer at the Murray Bridge hospital, where he specialised in obstetrics, inpatient care, anaesthesia and emergency care.

He has also represented doctors across country South Australia and Australia in various capacities, including as president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia from 2006-08, and of its state counterpart from 2010-22; and as a board member with the Country SA Primary Health Network from 2017-24 and Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network.

He had previously been recognised with:

• The Australian Medical Association's President's Award, for furthering the organisation's objectives, in 2005
• The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and Rural Doctors Association of Australia's Peter Graham Cohuna Award, for outstanding advocacy and medical service, in 2009
• The RDAA's Rural Doctor of the Year Award in 2022

In his spare time – not that he had too much of it during his working years – Dr Rischbieth is a firm Port Adelaide fan who enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with his family.

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