In the quiet serenity of Australia’s Atherton Tablelands, a story of persistence and dedication unfolds—a story that bridges continents and generations. Lara Gillespie (who works under her maiden name Lara Wieland and is affectionately known by her patients as ‘Dr Lara’), a rural generalist doctor and humanitarian, embodies an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, from remote Indigenous communities in Australia to war-stricken Ukraine. Most recently a big portion of Lara’s energy has been poured into the charity, Only Passing Thru (OPT), which she founded.  A big part of OPT’s mission is providing medical and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Lara is driven by a deep sense of connection to,  and a legacy instilled by, her Ukrainian grandfather, Nikodym Pliczkowsky.

A Legacy Rooted in Strength and Service

 Lara’s early life was steeped in her grandfather’s tales of Ukraine’s struggle for independence, his vivid accounts of Cossack valour, and his lifelong determination to fight against Soviet oppression and tyranny. These stories, shared over meals and recorded by her during her teen and university years on a rickety old tape recorder, were more than family lore—they were lessons in resilience, justice, and the power of service. “You are a Cossack girl,” her grandfather, Nikodym Pliczkowsky, would remind her. These words, spoken in Ukrainian – the language of her first words – carried the weight of their family’s legacy. Nikodym, a survivor of the Holodomor and a key figure in the Ukrainian diaspora in Australia, dedicated his life to preserving Ukrainian culture and advocating for his homeland’s freedom.

This legacy became a cornerstone of Lara’s identity. As she grew into her roles as a doctor, advocate, and charity leader, she carried forward her grandfather’s ethos, blending it with her professional skills and compassion.

A Lifelong Commitment to the Underserved

 Lara’s medical career very quickly saw  a calling to work in the  remote Indigenous communities of Cape York, Queensland, Australia., Her work has always  drawn her to the under-served and it was immediate confirmation of her calling once she started working in these communities. She developed a real connection to, and love for, these communities, Kowanyama especially though became both a personal and professional journey of legendary proportions. She  promptly immersed herself within this community and on many different levels soon became a much respected and loved doctor and “Aunty” to many.  To this day, drive down any street in Kowanyama with Lara and the excited and happy voices when they realise who is in the car is a testament to her work and standing in this community.

Her philosophy is simple yet profound: that relationships, respect, and high-quality care are the cornerstones of healing. This belief has driven her to become a relentless advocate for systemic change, often at personal cost.

In the remote Aboriginal community of Kowanyama where she would eventually spend nearly 20 years (and still has enduring connections), Lara learned perhaps her most important lesson: the power of truly listening. She recalls a patient who others had written off as a “hopeless, trouble-making drunk.” But by taking the time to listen, to build trust, she discovered a person carrying the weight of profound trauma.

“Through counselling and support, the patient has moved on with their life and is a wonderful parent and now grandparent,” Lara shares. “If I had not taken the time to learn their history, I may have also just seen them as others did.”

This approach – prioritising relationships and understanding over quick judgements – became the cornerstone of her medical practice. “I’ve learned that  black and white do not exist,” she reflects. “Our lives are made up of a thousand shades of grey and brown.”

“Through every challenge and triumph in this work, my Christian faith has been what leads me and strengthens me to ‘press on’, especially when the task seems overwhelming, and what reminds me that each person we serve – from Cape York to Kherson – is infinitely precious and worthy of our very best efforts.”