Decision details

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

I wish to inform Council of the passing of Millers Point community GP Dr Nyen Ling Yoong, known to everyone as Dr Ling.

Dr Ling had provided medical services to the Millers Point community since 2013, operating from a community GP surgery conveniently located next to the Harry Jensen Community centre.

Dr Ling’s medical practice extended beyond Millers Point. She worked weekly at the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern and had worked in remote Indigenous communities over many years.

Dr Ling previously provided medical care in China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Papua New Guinea. She was a conjoint senior lecturer at the Medical School of the University of Western Sydney, and previously a Medical Director of the International Health and Medical Service, which provides care in challenging environments. This included detainees within Australia’s onshore immigration detention centres, providing care to people on Christmas Island, in South-eastern Australia, the Northern Territory, and on Narau and Manus Islands.

Her community engagement ranged beyond her medical practice. Dr Ling established the community street library and community garden, amongst other local projects. She is remembered as “a sustainability warrior” with a passion for growing seasonal produce and producing honey from native bees. As one Miller’s Point resident recalls, “she would take over any unloved corner of dirt, if something edible started growing you’d know Ling had a hand in it”.

In 2020 she completed sustainability studies at the University of New England, adding to her previous studies in medicine at the University of Malaya and Macquarie University and a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie Business School.

Dr Ling was also a talented photographer, who would travel to exotic destinations to photograph wildlife.

In keeping with an Irish tradition, Dr Ling planted sweet peas in Millers Point community garden at midnight on St Patricks Day, 17 March. They are now flowering in her honour.

COUNCILLOR CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Scott –

It is resolved that:

(A)      all persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute's silence to commemorate the life of GP Dr Nyen Ling Yoong and her contribution to the Millers Point community, medicine and sustainability and academic research;

(B)      Council express its condolences to Dr Ling's husband, Professor Marshall Silver, her many friends and the Millers Point community; and

(C)      the Lord Mayor convey Council's condolences to Professor Silver.

Carried unanimously.

S051491

Note – All Councillors, staff and members of the public present stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to Dr Nyen Ling Yoong.