A TOOWOOMBA doctor couple is among the 298 people killed in the Malaysian Airlines tragedy in the Ukraine.
Family members of Dr Roger Guard and his wife Dr Jill Guard are in shock as confirmation of the tragedy hits home.
Seven other Queenslanders are among the 298 souls on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
Premier Campbell Newman has said he is “shocked and appalled” by the tragedy.
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Chair Mike Horan said Dr Guard was highly regarded by his colleagues and staff at Toowoomba’s Pathology Queensland laboratory.
“He is the sort of leader who staff were very fond of and looked up to him,” Mr Horan said.
He said Dr Guard had led hospital and health service board members on a tour of the Toowoomba facility just two months ago.
“We were just so impressed by his dedication, his knowledge and loyalty and commitment to his staff.”
Dr Guard’s wife Dr Jill Guard worked as a GP.
Mr Horan said it was a tragedy to have lost a Toowoomba couple who had given so much to medicine.
“To be lost this way is just heartbreaking.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.”
Federal Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane said the hearts of everyone in the region would go out to the families of those people on board flight MH 17.
“Australians are well known as enthusiastic world travellers, so this terrible tragedy will be shocking for all of us,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Counselling, consular and all possible assistance will be provided to the families during the difficult days ahead.
“We will do all we possibly can to support the families and to find out exactly what has happened and exactly who is responsible.”
Queensland Health’s statement:
A respected Queensland Health clinician and his wife have been confirmed as passengers travelling on the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has contacted the family of Dr Roger Guard and made the confirmation earlier today.
Dr Roger Guard, Director Pathology Queensland (Toowoomba Hospital laboratory), and his wife Jill were reportedly returning to Australia after attending a medical conference and travelling on holidays.
Director-General Queensland Health Mr Ian Maynard extended his condolences to the family.
“I can’t imagine what they are going through but I hope they know they have the entire Queensland Health family behind them, and that we are here to offer support in any way we can.”
Mr Maynard said Dr Guard was a highly-regarded and respected registered general pathologist, who had been with Queensland Health since 1970.
In his role as Director he oversaw the Warwick, Dalby, Roma, Charleville and Longreach district laboratories.
Dr Guard was active in supporting pathology services and providing clinical pathology advice to a number of Hospital and Health Services.
Throughout his extensive career in the public service he also spent time in the Cairns pathology laboratory and provided many years of service to the Queensland Coroner.
Dr Guard’s dedication, professionalism and strength of character meant his colleagues held him in the highest of regard.
“His expertise in pathology, in particular forensic pathology, will be missed; particularly his rapport with students and his willingness to assist them with their studies and development.”
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Dr Guard was admired by all who knew and worked with him over his long and outstanding career.
“Dr Guard’s professional and personal achievements leave us with a legacy of achievement that we can all aspire to.”
“We all would like to wish Roger and Jill’s families our sincerest condolences at this time.”
Anyone who has concerns for the welfare of family or friends are encouraged to contact DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on + 61 2 6261 3305 from overseas, or within Australia on 1300 555 135.