It is all part of a day's work for the couple in Indonesia, and vastly different from the life they left behind in Mooroolbark. But their friends and family are still supporting their endeavours from afar, as relatives at the Wicklow Avenue Medical Centre in Croydon launch a fund-raiser to keep their aid work going.

Mrs Scarborough's sister Heather Ambrose and friend Liz Skilbeck have put together a booklet detailing the 90-year history of the Croydon clinic as part of its birthday celebration. All proceeds will go back to the Scarboroughs for their work in the eastern Indonesian province of North Maluku. The Scarboroughs now spend about 95 per cent of their time in the archipelago providing medical aid services, after having first travelled there almost 10 years ago.

"It's very interesting and rewarding, but also emotionally draining," Mr Scarborough told the Weekly during a hard-earned Christmas break in Mooroolbark and Mount Evelyn.

The couple work through a small US organisation called International Friends of Compassion that, among other projects, has focused its attention on North Maluku. A remote part of the country often stricken by conflict between the Christian and Muslim populations, medical services are scarce.

Mrs Scarborough heads up the medical team, running free clinics for the poor, a 20-bed ward, rehab for tuberculosis or leprosy patients, AIDS treatment and education, and running a 52-bed orphanage. "There's no shortage of things to do," said Mr Scarborough. "As a result of the conflict, most medical staff left and many didn't come back."

Mrs Ambrose and Mrs Skilbeck - wives of the clinic's owners Drs Paul Ambrose and Keith Skilbeck - said the booklet gave an interesting glimpse into the history of Croydon while supporting a worthwhile cause.

"There is a severe medical treatment shortage there," Mrs Skilbeck said. "This will help them train more staff in the skills they need."

The Wicklow Avenue Medical Centre 90th anniversary booklet is available at the counter of the clinic. Cost: $5.