Dr. Gregory Deleuil’s formative years, spanning from 1946 to 1953, were spent in Darwin – a period that profoundly shaped his life and professional trajectory. During this time, Darwin boasted a high school that extended only up to the fourth year in the 1950s. Dr. Deleuil held the distinction of being among the pioneer students in this early phase of Darwin’s educational landscape. His path took a turn when his family relocated “South” to Melbourne due to his father’s job transfer. Following his Matriculation, a mandatory stint in National Service ensued. Subsequently, his father’s work took the family to Perth, and Dr. Deleuil joined them after completing his service in the Army. Although he had the opportunity to attend university, he opted to commence his professional journey at the laboratories of the esteemed Royal Perth Hospital.
In 1956, with the inception of applications for Perth’s new Medical School, Dr. Deleuil’s exposure to hospital environments profoundly influenced his decision to apply. Despite not being a native of Western Australia, he gained acceptance based on his origin from Darwin and his status as a candidate from a region devoid of a medical school. The pinnacle of his academic journey was marked by his graduation from sixth year in 1962, placing him proudly among the inaugural batch of graduates from the new Medical School.
Dr. Deleuil’s medical journey led him through residencies at SCGH, Bankstown Hospital, and Royal Sydney Hospital. While he initiated his career in general practice, the Hong Kong flu outbreak of 1968 nudged him toward a warmer climate, eventually leading him and his family back to Darwin in 1970. Their time in Darwin was idyllic, yet the catastrophic Cyclone Tracy altered their trajectory, necessitating a return to Perth. Recalling those tumultuous times, he vividly remembers finding refuge in Mount Hawthorn with the support of the local chemist.
The year 1977 witnessed Dr. Deleuil’s engagement with the Army reserve, where he served as a medical officer for the 16th Battalion. His exceptional commitment led to an invitation to serve the SAS, both as a medical officer and later as a civilian doctor with a commission – an extraordinary role he dedicated himself to for twenty-seven years, retiring at the age of 70 in 2007.
Among his notable accomplishments, Dr. Deleuil’s expertise extended into the realm of Diving Medicine, a calling that led him to establish a civilian diving practice in 1981. His proficiency in diving medicine, particularly in advanced lung function testing, captured the attention of the Asbestos Diseases Society (ADS). His collaboration with the ADS, which commenced in 1985, remains a steadfast commitment.
Fate took a poignant twist when his mother fell ill in 1995 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma – an affliction attributed to their unpainted asbestos dwelling in Darwin. This personal connection lent profound purpose to his partnership with the ADS, transcending the notion of retirement.
Navigating personal loss, Dr. Deleuil’s wife passed away in 2001 after a thirty-six-year union. Subsequently, he dedicated his focus to his professional endeavors and his grown-up family. Beyond medicine, Dr. Deleuil is an avid philatelist with a keen interest in Australian stamps, particularly those from the George V era and Australian postal history.
In recognition of his exceptional community contribution, Dr. Gregory Deleuil AM was bestowed the Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 for his service to medicine, notably in the management of care for individuals affected by asbestos-related diseases, as well as his service as a medical officer in the Defense Force. He also received the distinguished Eric G Saint Award from the Asbestos
Disease Society. His contributions have been acknowledged further with the Reservice Force Decoration (RFD) in 1992 and the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001 for his unwavering dedication to the community and on 18 June 2019, The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund presented Dr. Gregory Deleuil, Medical Advisor to the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA) with the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund Lifetime Achievement Award.
All involved at Provident Financial and Insurance Services have been both honoured and priveleged to serve and salute Dr Deleuil over many years and recognise him as a man of significance in our community. We celebrate an amazing career and wish him well for his retirement but suspect community activity and support will continue for Dr Gregory Deleuil AM.