The general practitioner originally graduated from Monash University in Melbourne and began working on her own in Church Street, Port Macquarie in 1987.

She was then asked to join the Port Family Practice in 1990 and has stayed through until hanging up the stethoscope on her final day of work on June 27.

This year marks her 70th birthday on August 3.

"Thank you to my colleagues, staff past and present for their support," said Dr Walpole.

"Thank you to my husband, Geoffrey Williams for his clinical advice when I was solo, he's been very good.

"And to the patients for their loyalty and kinds words on my retirement, they've been extraordinary.

"It's been a pleasure to come to work each day, a wonderful vocation and I've loved every day of my work."

As one of the longest serving GPs at the medical centre on Lord Street, Dr Walpole said she would be retiring to spend time with family and travel.

"The first trip will be to the Kimberley in Western Australia, it's been on my bucket list and I'd like to do a walking trip in New Zealand with my sister," she said.

"I'll still be seeing everyone because I'm not leaving Port Macquarie but it might be hit and miss."

Doctor Walpole will also be taking time out to concentrate on her hobbies including hiking, yoga, swimming, bike riding and tennis.

She has a son, daughter and five grandchildren.

Administration second in charge Marita Forrester, who has worked with Nanette for 17 years said she is a role model in the community and will be sorely missed.

"She goes above and beyond for her patients," said Mrs Forrester.

"She has been here until all hours of the night phoning patients with results, it's from a different era of general practice.

"When we first met I found her to be very warm and inviting but also very strong.

"She can hold her own with the boys (male GPs).

"She'll always make the effort for our Christmas parties and loves a girls get together. You'd often see Nan's home opened for work get-togethers.

"A very generous, beautiful lady and we are really going to miss her."

Dr Deon Heyns, who joined the practice in January, said Dr Walpole is a pillar of strength for the practice.

"She's awesome, she's just got such a personality and all the patients love her," said Dr Heyns.

"All of her patients have been with her for many years, some are generations of family."

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