Dr Colleen Schultz and Dr Bob McEwan officially closed their surgery last weekend, having worked in the town for 35 years and 10 years respectively.

Dr Schultz came to Quirindi because her first husband had a practice in the town and Dr 

McEwan – who originally hails from Nova Scotia, Canada – arrived after he and Dr Schultz met at a conference and got married.

Dr Schultz said they had stayed as long as they did because they liked the area, particularly the music scene, the countryside, and the friends they had made.

The pair, who live in Werris Creek, plan to continue living in the area and do things around the house, visit their parents more, go to music events, relax and take trips to Canada.

They also planned to “sleep a lot for the first month or two,” Dr Schultz joked.

“We’re going to miss our patients, because a lot of them became friends, you know, and you get to know them over the years,” she said.

Quirindi CWA secretary Colleen Wills said their contribution had been appreciated and there was no doubt they would be missed.

Dr Schultz said they planned to sell their surgery and hoped another dentist would fill their spot, to prevent patients having to travel to Tamworth for treatment.

Their retirement means there are no dentists in Quirindi.

Dr Noel Greacen, who provides services part-time in Quirindi, has been off work for health reasons.