Griffith Base Hospital
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday | N/A |
| Monday | 7:30am–5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am–5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am–5:00pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am–5:00pm |
| Friday | 7:30am–5:00pm |
| Saturday | N/A |
Consultation Fee
320 AUD
Paediatrician
Dr Maxwell Hopp
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
49 Years Overall Experience
Griffith
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OPD Timings of Dr Maxwell Hopp
Services Offered by Dr Maxwell Hopp
Well-child check-ups
Vaccinations
Treatment for common childhood illnesses
Developmental screenings
Nutritional guidance for children
Paediatric allergy clinic
About Of Dr Maxwell Hopp
Dr. Maxwell Hopp, often affectionately known as Professor Max Hopp, was a renowned paediatrician whose career profoundly impacted regional healthcare in Australia. Born in apartheid-era South Africa, he relocated to Griffith, New South Wales, in 1999, intending a brief stay but ultimately devoting over 25 years to the community. His expertise in paediatrics, endocrinology, and allergies saved countless families from long journeys for specialized care. Tragically, Dr. Hopp passed away on September 26, 2025, at age 72, in a cycling accident, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, brilliance, and advocacy. His story is one of humility and dedication, as he once humbly stated, “As far as I’m concerned, I’m the lucky one” when praised for his contributions to Griffith.
Dr. Hopp was born and raised in South Africa during the apartheid era, where he began his medical journey treating children in segregated hospitals—both 'black' and 'white' facilities. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 1976. This foundational degree equipped him with broad medical knowledge, leading to specialization in paediatrics. He later trained as an endocrinologist and upskilled in allergy management, reflecting his adaptability to emerging health needs. Upon migrating to Australia, he achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in paediatrics, solidifying his status as a specialist.
His early experiences in South Africa exposed him to diverse clinical challenges, fostering a patient-centered approach that emphasized empathy across cultural and socioeconomic divides.
Dr. Hopp's Australian career began in Griffith in 1999, initially as a one-year locum to fill a critical gap—there was no paediatrician in the town at the time, forcing families to travel hours to Wagga, Sydney, or Melbourne for care. Despite suggestions from colleagues to move to a major city after "paying his dues," he chose to stay, declaring, “There’s no way I was leaving Griffith, it’s home, I’m looking after the sick children here.”
As Associate Professor and Head of Paediatrics at Griffith Base Hospital, he managed an intensive workload: arriving by 6:30 a.m. for rounds in ICU, neonatal units, and maternity wards. For most of his tenure, he was the sole paediatrician, seeing up to 60 children weekly until a second joined about seven years ago. Recognizing high allergy rates in the Riverina region, he established the first regional allergy clinic in New South Wales in 2002, operating it successfully for 23 years.
In 2019, he advocated against relocating his clinic during hospital redevelopment, arguing it would disrupt essential services. Community support was overwhelming: thousands of emails and calls flooded officials, leading the Health Minister to concede, “We’ve received 6,000 emails, just give him whatever the hell he wants.” More recently, he voiced concerns over funding cuts that ended support for his community health nurse, making the clinic unviable and forcing families to seek urban care. Just weeks before his death, he addressed a rally for better regional health services, earning rapturous applause.
Dr. Hopp also mentored medical students and junior doctors, sharing wisdom on excellence, compassion, and empathy. His services included well-child check-ups, vaccinations, developmental screenings, nutritional guidance, and treatments for illnesses and allergies.
Dr. Hopp's impact was transformative: a hypothetical estimate suggests he spared at least 5,000 children (or 4,500 families) from long-distance travel for care. His allergy clinic addressed a regional epidemic, providing specialized testing and management. As a visiting professor, he elevated rural healthcare standards, advocating for accessible services amid growing wait times for GPs and specialists. No formal research papers or clinical trials are documented, but his clinical innovations and mentorship left an indelible mark.
The Hopp family's collective contributions amplified his legacy: his wife Julia as a school psychologist, son Josh as a pathologist, and daughter Dagney as an occupational therapist who commuted from Sydney to treat children with behavioral issues.
At 72, Dr. Hopp was remarkably fit, representing Australia in world masters cycling championships and building a backyard tennis court for spirited matches. Anecdotes highlight his vitality: in a 40-degree heat tennis game, he outlasted a much younger opponent without breaking a sweat, later sharing life stories over a Corona. He was humble, warm, and connective, always listening and brightening lives.
Married to Julia, he was a devoted family man with son Josh, daughter Dagney, and at least one grandson, Leor.
Dr. Hopp's death stunned Griffith: news spread rapidly, halting daily life with a shared numbness. Tributes poured in, praising his brilliance—like diagnosing eczema herpeticum at a glance—and his calming presence that made children feel safe. One parent shared, "Dr Hopp looked after my girls from the day they were born until they were 18. They too loved him." Another: "He was such a vital asset to Griffith! Our family was blessed to receive great care from him & his team."
Communities like Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network acknowledged his service, noting the void left in paediatric care. His legacy endures through improved regional healthcare and the inspiration he provided.
On September 26, 2025, Dr. Hopp died in a collision while cycling: his bike struck a turning street sweeper truck at the Boonah Street intersection in North Griffith. Despite immediate response, he passed at the scene. The driver was uninjured, and a coroner's report is pending. The tragedy underscored his active lifestyle but deepened the community's grief.
For current paediatric needs in Griffith, contact Griffith Base Hospital at (02) 6969 5555 or the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Education of Dr Maxwell Hopp
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) - University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa - 1976
Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) - Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), Australia
Memberships of Dr Maxwell Hopp
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA registration)
Experience of Dr Maxwell Hopp
Medical Graduate, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Paediatrician, Various Locations (South Africa and Initial Australian Migration)
Primary Paediatrician and Head of Paediatrics, Griffith Base Hospital, NSW, Australia
Advocate for Regional Health Services, Griffith Base Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr Maxwell Hopp
What services does Dr. Maxwell Hopp, a paediatrician in Griffith NSW, offer?
Dr. Maxwell Hopp offers services such as well-child check-ups, vaccinations, treatment for common childhood illnesses, developmental screenings, and nutritional guidance for children.
Where is Dr. Maxwell Hopp's clinic located in Griffith NSW?
Dr. Maxwell Hopp's clinic is located at Specialist Clinic 2, Griffith Base Hospital, 1 Noorebar Avenue, Griffith NSW 2680.
How can I contact Dr. Maxwell Hopp, a male paediatrician in Griffith NSW?
You can contact Dr. Maxwell Hopp at 0269695693.
What type of screenings does Dr. Maxwell Hopp provide for children in Griffith NSW?
Dr. Maxwell Hopp provides developmental screenings for children in Griffith NSW.
What are the common services offered by Dr. Maxwell Hopp, a paediatrician at Specialist Clinic 2 in Griffith NSW?
Common services offered by Dr. Maxwell Hopp include well-child check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.
Does Dr. Maxwell Hopp provide nutritional guidance for children in Griffith NSW?
Yes, Dr. Maxwell Hopp provides nutritional guidance for children in Griffith NSW.
