RFDS Impact Report 2025

Impact Report

RFDS (QUEENSLAND SECTION)

Impact Report

RFDS (Queensland Section)

A

legacy you’re helping us honour One man’s dream. A community’s lifeline.

In remote Australia, the tyranny of distance can mean the difference between life and death. Reverend John Flynn understood this. He dreamed of creating a ‘mantle of safety’ for people in the outback – a way to reach those isolated by distance when they needed help most.

How it all began In 1928, that dream took flight. Pilot Arthur Affleck lifted off in a single-engine biplane named Victory, launching what would become the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service.

None of this would have been possible without supporters like Hugh Victor McKay, whose gift in Will funded the ‘aerial experiment’ that brought Flynn’s vision to life. Just one year later, engineer Alfred Traeger introduced his invention, the pedal-operated radio, revolutionising how remote families could call for help.

The RFDS today Today, thanks to supporters like you, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) operates from nine bases across Queensland – Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Charleville, Longreach, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Roma and Townsville.

Each day, your support helps us deliver more than 200 occasions of care. Our services extend beyond emergency retrievals to include inter-facility patient transfers, primary health care, mental health support, telehealth and oral health services.

Your support makes it possible

Every day, with your support, we live our brand promise – delivering the finest care to the furthest corners of our state.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

As a not-for-profit organisation, our future relies entirely on people like you – our community, partners, donors and fundraisers. Your generosity enables people to live, work and travel safely across Queensland, no matter their postcode.

Looking ahead As we approach our centenary, we remain committed to meeting the changing needs of the communities we serve through our Towards 100 Strategy, focusing on our people, community, service delivery, innovation and organisation.

Impact Report

From the CEO

Thank you. Your support over this past year has made all the difference for those in regional, rural and remote Queensland who count on the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) when they need us most.

Every aeromedical retrieval, every telehealth call, every oral health and mental health consultation happens because of you. Together, we are bringing world-class healthcare to the furthest corners of our state.

I am privileged to lead a team whose dedication ensures that every Queenslander can access the finest healthcare and aeromedical services, no matter where they live.

This year, you have helped us bring our Towards 100 Strategy to life. You have supported major infrastructure projects across Queensland, from opening a new Aeromedical Training Academy in Bundaberg, to the final stages of construction at our new Mount Isa Base – your investment means our teams can deliver even better care to the communities who rely on us.

Strengthening connections with communities remains at the heart of everything we do. Support from our partners and the community, made it possible for our aeromedical simulator to tour regional areas, offering valuable educational experiences. Our ambassadors continue raising awareness by sharing the inspiring stories of those we serve.

Your generosity sustains essential projects and supports ongoing growth across all our services.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference.

We could not have achieved any of this without you.

Thank you. Together, we are making world-class healthcare a reality for every corner of Queensland.

Through our Fleet Strategy, we have enabled significant steps toward upgrading our aircraft, delivering greater reliability, efficiency and clinical capability for every patient we serve.

We have continued to expand our workforce, even amid global shortages. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to attract exceptional talent and strengthen our team through targeted apprenticeships and professional development programs.

Meredith Staib Chief Executive Officer RFDS (Queensland Section)

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Building the future

together

This five-year growth strategy represents the next chapter of our Towards 100 journey—and you’re helping us write it.

With your help, we’re delivering real impact across Queensland. We’re enhancing the care we provide, strengthening our connections with the communities who rely on us, and embracing innovation to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.

We’re also investing in our people and building stronger foundations for the future, making sure we’re equipped, supported and prepared as we move towards our centenary.

RFDS (Queensland Section) 2023–2028 Strategy Safety and sustainability

Partnerships and collaboration

Strengthen our presence, reputation and support at the heart of the communities we serve.

Com m un

d e live r y

Our promise

O rga ni

ic e

The furthest corner.

The finest care.

n

Se

io

rv

s at

Grow and invest in our organisation, operations and infrastructure.

e pl eo

ity

P

Create the best, future-ready workplace and culture for our people to grow.

Support the health and wellbeing of our communities anywhere, anytime.

I n n ov a ti o n Patients, families and community

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Embrace our culture of innovation to drive growth, create value and lead the future of virtual health delivery.

Equity, culture and diversity

Impact Report

Growth has always been at the heart of the RFDS story. Together, we’ll keep doing what we do best while finding new and innovative ways to reach further into regional, rural and remote Queensland.

Five key principles guide everything we do as we deliver on our Towards 100 Strategy. They shape our decisions, strengthen our purpose, and ensure we stay true to the communities we serve.

Live our promise

Every step forward is possible because of your belief in our mission.

Safety and sustainability

Everything starts with our promise

Pursuing our purpose into the future

Partnership and collaboration Working hand in hand

Patients, families and community

Equity, culture and diversity Celebrating our unique culture and individual differences

Patient and family-centred care at the heart

Our values

Safety and quality

Mutual care and respect

Commercially astute

Open and transparent

Collaborative

Proud and passionate

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Your

impact

Creating lasting impact across Queensland Every time you give to the Flying Doctor, you’re part of something bigger than a single flight or a single patient. You’re helping build resilient, empowered communities right across Queensland.

Queensland’s regional, rural and remote communities face challenges that those living in our metro areas never think about. Limited access to doctors, long distances to hospitals, and the daily reality of managing health issues without the safety net we take for granted.

For many families, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, these barriers mean poorer health outcomes and harder lives.

Your support helps us tackle these challenges in three powerful ways.

First, you’re connecting communities with essential healthcare – from emergency retrievals that save lives, to telehealth consultations and medical chests that bring care closer to home. You’re helping people access mental health support, dental care, and GP clinics without travelling hundreds of kilometres.

Second, you’re strengthening the entire health system. We partner with local health services to build their capacity and empower individuals to take control of their own health. Your support helps create more collaborative, integrated care that works better for everyone.

Third, you’re giving remote communities a voice.

We advocate at government level to ensure decisionmakers understand the unique health needs of rural and remote Queenslanders, and the critical role the Flying Doctor plays.

The result? Communities that are more resilient and better equipped to care for their own health. Families who can prevent and manage disease, access emergency care when they need it, and enjoy better health outcomes and quality of life.

Through your generosity, we’re not just delivering healthcare, we’re building a stronger, healthier Queensland where every family, no matter how remote, has access to world-class care.

Your support creates lasting impact across Queensland.

Feedback from our patients and clients: “The service level from the clinic was exemplary – from reception to the extraordinary care supplied by the doctor. He was caring, compassionate, very knowledgeable and efficient. His script and referral were completed on the spot and followed up by a phone call review. People accessing these remote clinics regularly do not realise the extraordinary service they receive in availability of appointments, free service and medications and the knowledge base of practitioners. Thank you RFDS for your wonderful service to remote Australia.”

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

“I was looked after with so much compassion and care. The team that looked after me during my miscarriage were incredibly kind and thoughtful.

Thank you for your compassion and care through a very difficult time.”

“An amazing service that has provided access to dental care for those of us who find it difficult to get away to bigger towns for regular follow-up.”

“Thanks to the RFDS mental health team. There are a few reasons I’m still alive and kicking but the support from RFDS mental health is one of the reasons.”

Impact Report

Our patients

and clients

Partnering to deliver the finest care

Our Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) plays an integral role in shaping how we deliver and communicate care. Over the past year, members have reviewed patient materials, advised on clinical policies and procedures, shared lived experience insights and contributed to the improvement of our Patient Experience Survey.

At the RFDS (Queensland Section), our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Listening to their experiences helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can do better.

Our Primary Health Care Survey results show that patients and clients continue to feel respected and informed when they visit our clinics. While overall satisfaction remains high, we know that access, availability, and wait times matter and this feedback will help focus our improvement efforts.

Engaging with consumers is more than a requirement of clinical governance—it’s a vital partnership that builds trust, respect, and transparency across our organisation.

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SURVEY FY25: 63.2% 21.3%

Felt they were treated with respect

Were courteous and polite

9.2%

9.5%

24.4%

37.9%

10

22.1%

20

8.9%

30

25.6%

40

22.1%

50

15.5%

Percentage

60

22.7%

48.3%

70

59.5%

Good

64.7%

Very Good

Excellent

0 Ability to get an appointment time that suited them

Wait time at the clinic

Felt fully informed

OVERALL THE QUALITY OF THE TREATMENT AND CARE I RECEIVED WAS: Very Good

Good 3.9%

23.1% 100%

100% 76.9%

Aeromedical

Mental Health

94.9% Dental

Telehealth

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

The team

you support

We deeply appreciate the commitment and unwavering support of our people in ensuring the RFDS (Queensland Section) can deliver on our mission. As we work towards our centenary, we’re creating a workplace where our people can thrive.

STAFF PROFILE

NUMBER OF STAFF BY LOCATION 165

2

Corporate Office (Brisbane)

1

Dubbo

16

663+ 54%

headspace Cairns

Roma

68

1

Mount Isa

Surry Hills

1

122

Normanton

Cairns

total number of employees

of employees in full-time roles

4.61

59

31

Rockhampton

2

9

24

41

Toowoomba

Longreach

Bundaberg

Townsville

1

Broken Hill

119

Brisbane

1

Emerald

59

average years of service

Charleville

women in leadership positions

Organisation engagement scores

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STAY

STRIVE

The furthest corner. The finest care.

40 40 30 30

50

20

10

10 10

10

00 2023

2023

30

20 20

2024

2024 2022 2022 2024

40

20

0

57%

50 50

2

Roma 59%

60 59% 59%

60 60

57% 64% 64%

70 57% 57% 64%

SAY

70 70

Percentage

40 say Engagement is measured by what our people about the RFDS, their commitment to stay and their 30 willingness to strive for our organisation.

59% Percentage Percentage Percentage

64%

80 80 80 EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SCORE

Percentage

80 As part of our One Promise – One Team culture program, we conducted our 70 Employee Engagement Survey for the 60 third consecutive year. Our engagement score was 64 per cent, a five per cent 50 increase from the previous year.

0 2024 2024 2022 2022

2023 2023 2023

2022

Impact Report

Building

leadership capability

Dr Laurie Cowled AM has been a valued supporter of the RFDS for many years, inspired by her late husband, a recreational pilot with a dream of becoming a doctor.

Driven by her passion for education, Laurie has generously funded the Laurie Cowled Leadership Program for the past five years.

This two-day course develops leadership skills aligned with RFDS values and provides participants with practical tools they can apply immediately to create a positive impact across the organisation.

“It has given me the tools, confidence and perspective to grow, helping me strengthen my communication and decision-making skills and increasing my ability to support my team. As a new leader at RFDS, attending this program has been invaluable in assisting me on this journey.”

JAMIE-LEE MCCALL NURSE MANAGER – AEROMEDICAL

The program brings together leaders from across the RFDS to build self-awareness, strengthen communication, and foster stronger team and community relationships. To date, nearly 100 leaders have taken part, with more to follow in the next year.

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

2024/25

Year in numbers The RFDS continues to provide vital emergency medical and primary health care services to regional, rural and remote communities across Queensland.

MORE THAN

200

2,100

12,300 1,300

occasions of care across Queensland each day

immunisations administered

consultations conducted by RFDS mental health clinicians and headspace Cairns

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

medical chests in rural and remote locations

Impact Report

13,000 24,750 18,800 2,300 patients transferred

consultations were conducted at RFDS GP and nurse clinics

remote consultation calls through our telehealth service

consultations by our RFDS Dental Service

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Your support:

growing our team

As we work towards our centenary, we’re investing in our people. We’re creating a workplace that supports our teams now and into the future, attracting expert talent and fostering a culture where everyone can grow.

Life Off Autopilot In response to the global pilot shortage, we created Life Off Autopilot, a human-centred recruitment campaign positioning the RFDS as the pinnacle of piloting. Through storytelling, cinematic visuals, and real pilot experiences, the aim was to highlight the uniqueness of a RFDS career as the most challenging and rewarding job in the sky.

Life Off Autopilot far exceeded expectations, receiving more than 130 applications in three days and 389 in total over six weeks.

From aerobatics to aeromedical It’s the drive to make a positive difference that has kept Flight Standards Pilot, Marty Cram, flying for the RFDS for over 20 years.

“The day-to-day operations are never routine,” Marty said. “Things can change very quickly in this role, and that was a big draw card for me.”

Prior to the RFDS, Marty flew with the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes. The precision required for that role continues to support his career today, assisting in the delivery of essential healthcare across regional, rural and remote Queensland.

Now in a training role, Marty mentors new pilots as they develop into seasoned aeromedical pilots.

“I hope the knowledge I pass on will benefit those new to the organisation in the same way those in my role mentored me,” he said. “It’s the esprit de corps, the professionalism, and sense of purpose amongst all the people I have worked alongside.”

His advice to aspiring RFDS pilots? Simply give it a go.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Impact Report

The next generation of aircraft engineers

in the making

Brisbane-based Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Cate Dows, and Cairns-based Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), Garvina Lui, live at opposite ends of the state, but share the same dream.

They both joined the RFDS as apprentices in their early 20s to gain hands-on experience in their engineering trade. After training alongside the Flying Doctor’s engineering team, they have been accepted into the Licensed Engineer Aviation Program (LEAP) and are forging ahead in their careers.

LEAP was launched by the RFDS in 2023, with support from donations and gifts in wills to create a pathway for emerging engineers to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (LAMEs).

With many in the industry nearing retirement, the program ensures decades of hard-earned knowledge are passed down to the next generation.

“I don’t think I would have gotten the experience I needed without support from the RFDS,” Garvina said. “Every aircraft is different, and all the engineers here have been maintaining these aircraft for 20–30 years. Right now, is the time to learn everything we can from the greats.”

In Queensland, the RFDS proudly supports five apprentices, eight AMEs (five are in LEAP), and 22 LAMEs across the state, managing a fleet of 26 aircraft that service regional, rural and remote communities.

“The variation of work that comes through the hangar has given me the practical skills needed to make it to LEAP,” Cate said.

“Now I can work towards my dream of becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.”

For Cate and Garvina, LEAP is more than a career opportunity, it’s a chance to keep the Flying Doctor flying 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a proud Torres Strait Islander woman, Garvina understands the importance of the Flying Doctor providing care to remote communities.

“It was in my first couple of weeks working here, a family member came in on an aircraft from Darnley Island,” Garvina said.

“It fills my heart knowing I can play a part in connecting people to the best possible healthcare.”

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

connecting

Your support: communities across Queensland As part of our Towards 100 Strategy, the Growth in Community pillar reflects our commitment to strengthening our presence and support at the heart of the communities we serve.

Thank-a-thon

Our Fundraising and Foundation Growth Strategy enables us to connect with more people and create new opportunities for community-led impact. At the centre of this work are the individuals, families, fundraisers, partners, and communities who share our vision and make this progress possible.

We sent 31,340 postcards and 2,000 hand-stamped greeting cards, followed by 25,913 emails featuring a video from our fundraising team and frontline crews.

The video was viewed 2,063 times and prompted more than 60 personal replies from supporters.

Your generosity takes flight: Giving Day success!

On 2 April 2025, our inaugural Giving Day, Take to the Skies, soared beyond expectations, raising over $360,000 in just 24 hours. Thanks to our major Matching Partners, Hancock Prospecting, McCullough Robertson and Brisbane Airport Corporation, and our Flying High partners, each donation was doubled, amplifying its impact.

Bundaberg pulls together Bundaberg hosted our first RFDS Plane Pull on 17 November 2024, challenging 10 teams to pull an aircraft 24 metres across the tarmac as fast as possible. The fastest team completed the challenge in just 13 seconds. The event raised over $20,000 and boosted local awareness of the Flying Doctor’s essential role.

Gaming for good Change the Game brings a fresh approach to fundraising, engaging a new audience through livestream gaming. Twenty-two streamers and content creators raised over $10,000, proving the potential of gaming-based fundraising to attract new supporters and help keep the Flying Doctor flying.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Our first ‘Thank-a-thon’ was launched in April 2025 to thank our supporters across Queensland. Over two weeks, we made over 55,000 touchpoints with our donors.

Our Fundraising & Philanthropy team personally completed more than 500 thank-you calls, while our telephone partner, Cornucopia PO, generously donated 1,000 additional calls to support the campaign.

OUR SUPPORTERS IN A SNAPSHOT 6

RFDS Auxiliaries

24,554

12,251

Support Crew

Donors

5,101

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Corporate Partners

4,591

Oceans to Outback Queensland Participants

Fundraisers and community groups

This year, we welcomed 6,941 new monthly Support Crew members and 4,627 new donors.

This support from our community is crucial to the long-term impact of the RFDS.

Impact Report

world-class care

Our supporters: Bringing to every corner of Queensland When Dr Neridah Rooseboom first visited the Flying Doctor’s Brisbane Base, she knew instantly this was somewhere special.

“I expected to see lots of secretaries, people on phones doing paperwork,” she recalls.

“But it wasn’t like that at all. It was fantastic, the right people doing what really needs to be done.”

A retired psychiatrist who spent 14 years as Head of Psychiatry at Nambour Hospital, Neridah understands the challenges of delivering healthcare across vast distances. Living on a farm near Benalla gave her firsthand experience of what rural families face.

With her background in both medicine and aviation— her late husband Ian was a commercial pilot—Neridah appreciates the unique combination that makes the RFDS possible. “It’s such a concise operation, with people really doing their jobs: the pilots, nurses, doctors, everyone.”

What stands out most to Neridah is how the Service continues to evolve. “The way it’s expanding and becoming involved in more complex areas of medicine, attracting capable people—it’s fantastic,” she says.

Through her generosity, Neridah is ensuring the Flying Doctor can continue delivering the finest care to the furthest corner for generations to come.

“People in remote areas do a fantastic job, often with very little help,” she says. “In the city, you just go down the road to see a doctor. Out in the country, they have to drive hours, and yet they still get on with things.”

It’s this deep respect for rural resilience that drives Neridah’s remarkable support of the RFDS. Her commitment extends beyond regular giving to include a significant gift in her Will.

“I think good medical care should be available to everybody, and the Flying Doctor helps massively with that,” she explains.

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Bringing the Flying Doctor Community connection is at the heart of everything we do. For almost a century, we’ve grown and adapted our services to meet the needs of communities across regional, rural and remote Queensland.

Inspiring the next generation In 2024/25, the RFDS reached almost 80,000 Queenslanders through more than 130 community events and school visits, strengthening awareness of our services and deepening our connection with communities.

A standout feature of these efforts is the RFDS Schools Program, supported by Isuzu UTE Australia. Throughout the year, Community Engagement Coordinators John and Kym Warner hitch ‘the sim’—a full-size replica of a King Air B200 aircraft—to an Isuzu D-MAX and tow it to the furthest corners of Queensland.

The aeromedical simulator offers an immersive experience that brings the work of the Flying Doctor to life, raising awareness of our services, supporting health literacy and inspiring future health professionals.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

to you

By engaging students, families and communities in a hands-on educational setting, we’re strengthening our connections across Queensland and opening doors for the next generation.

A continued commitment to reconciliation The RFDS remains deeply committed to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on our reconciliation journey. We continue to collaborate closely with communities, fostering meaningful relationships and deepening our understanding of First Nations cultures, histories and perspectives.

In 2024/25, our Indigenous Engagement Strategy was endorsed to strengthen our reconciliation efforts and align with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

This strategy provides a clear framework to guide our actions, build strong partnerships and embed meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the organisation.

Impact Report

During NAIDOC Week, we proudly shared stories that highlighted the role the RFDS plays in strengthening communities, not only through healthcare, but by fostering wellbeing and supporting future generations. With strong representation on our Board and ongoing engagement with like-minded organisations, we are embedding reconciliation into many aspects of our work.

With its relaxed atmosphere, affordable ticketing and family-friendly programming, Picnic with the Planes has quickly become an enjoyable event that brings communities together.

We are currently renewing our RAP with Reconciliation Australia, ensuring our future actions remain inclusive and shaped through genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We look forward to growing this initiative each year by keeping each event fresh and exciting, while strengthening the connection between the community and the RFDS.

Picnic perfect To increase awareness of the RFDS within Queensland communities, we launched the RFDS Picnic with the Planes event series in the 2024/25 financial year, hosting four successful events across our regional bases in Roma, Bundaberg, Townsville and Rockhampton.

People of all ages and backgrounds can connect with the RFDS, learn about our services and celebrate the unique role we play in regional healthcare.

Thank you to our Roma presenting partner, Senex; and our Bundaberg, Townsville and Rockhampton presenting partner, Textron Aviation and all of our sponsors who made these events possible.

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Your impact: Expanding our reach, our care

strengthening

Through key strategic initiatives, we are enhancing our service delivery so that Queenslanders have access to essential healthcare, no matter where they live, work or travel.

Supporting a team of nurse practitioners

Enhancing our Operations Control Centre The Operations Control Centre (OCC) is the nerve centre of our aeromedical operations. Here, we coordinate aircraft movements, clinical logistics and crew communications, ensuring safe, high-quality service delivery around the clock.

In May 2023, we established a two-year aeromedical nurse practitioner trial to expand our service delivery and enhance operations.

This year, our Digital & Technology team successfully delivered a platform upgrade to enhance our systems and capability.

This innovative model enables us to respond to aeromedical retrieval requests with a nurse practitioner and flight nurse on board. The nurse practitioner provides advanced clinical support when the full scope of a medical officer is not required, allowing our doctors to respond to the most critical cases.

This upgrade helps our teams work more efficiently. It captures data better, reduces errors, and saves time on data entry.

The trial has progressed, with three RFDS nurse practitioners now continuing the model.

In addition, two flight nurses are on track to complete their Master of Nursing Practitioner studies at The University of Queensland in 2026.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

As part of the upgrade, a new radio has also enhanced real-time communication with flight crews, allowing them to connect during flight, provide updates and request clinical support on the ramp.

These advancements demonstrate our commitment to supporting safe, high-quality, and efficient service delivery 24/7.

Impact Report

20,000 smiles

thanks to you

In July 2024, our dental team celebrated a special moment, treating their 20,000th patient while visiting Camooweal, a remote town near the Northern Territory border.

“For our patients, it’s a vital health service they simply can’t do without.”

It’s a significant milestone for the RFDS Mobile Dental Unit, a fully equipped mobile dental surgery that brings vital oral health services to communities across the state. From X-rays and extractions to gum disease treatment and specialist referrals, the service ensures rural and remote Queenslanders can access the dental care they need.

LEE POOLE EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER NURSING AND CLINICAL SERVICES

In the 2024/25 financial year, the team visited 16 communities across Queensland, treating 2,551 patients: 77 per cent adults and 23 per cent children.

The Flying Doctor acknowledges the support of QCoal Group, QCoal Foundation and the Australian Government in establishing the RFDS Dental Service in 2013.

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

When disaster strikes,

you help us respond When disaster strikes, the RFDS is there, working alongside local communities to keep Queenslanders safe.

Record-breaking floods across western Queensland forced families from Thargomindah, Adavale and Jundah to evacuate to Charleville and Longreach. The devastation was immense. More than 140,000 head of livestock were lost and thousands of homes and businesses were flooded.

With power lines down, phone networks disrupted and healthcare harder to reach, the RFDS became a lifeline.

Working with Queensland Health, we located vulnerable patients to make sure their care continued. Our teams provided health checks at airports, hospitals and evacuation centres. We also cared for expectant mothers and delivered essential supplies to isolated families cut off by floodwaters.

Our mental health clinicians travelled to Longreach to offer psychological first aid and free consultations to evacuated families trying to process what they’d lost.

Queenslanders are resilient, but the toll of repeated severe weather events runs deep.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Stranded communities rely on the RFDS Medical Chest Outback residents impacted by the flooding in western Queensland relied on locally registered RFDS medical chests for essential medications and medical supplies.

RFDS Medical Chest Service Manager, Elizabeth Doran, said the chests were a lifeline to communities isolated from their homes, primary health care clinics and pharmacies.

“We provided clinical advice to residents on using medical chest contents so patients could continue their care when they’d run out of medicines,” Elizabeth said. “We restocked centrally located chests where possible as a contingency, ensuring patients received the medical care they needed.

“Proactively managing access to specialised treatments is key to how medical chests support remote Queenslanders during disasters.”

Through it all, the RFDS remains present, helping communities recover, reconnect and rebuild.

Impact Report

Your support: RFDS helps ensure

a safe arrival

New mum Elle-Jay and her husband Mack were relieved to hear from the RFDS when their cattle station near Thargomindah was flooded in, just weeks before their due date.

Elle-Jay was 37 weeks pregnant and had been receiving regular antenatal care from RFDS Nurse Manager, Jo Mahony, at the Thargomindah Community Clinic.

Working with the Bulloo Shire Council, we evacuated vulnerable patients from Thargomindah to Charleville so they could access essential medical services.

“Without swift intervention, people like Elle-Jay would have been at serious risk,” Bulloo Shire Council Mayor John Ferguson said.

The soon-to-be parents had everything sorted, but nothing could have prepared them for this.

“The Bulloo Shire Council called and said they had a plane evacuating anyone for medical purposes,” ElleJay said. “Then the RFDS called me straight after and said it was a good idea for me to get on that flight.”

While it was difficult to leave Mack behind, Elle-Jay said it was a relief to know she could access medical support if she went into early labour. When Elle-Jay arrived in Charleville, Jo organised an essential check-up and iron infusion.

“Without the RFDS, I would have had to drive 10 hours to Toowoomba for all of my antenatal check-ups,” she said.

On 30 April 2025, Elle-Jay and Mack welcomed their healthy baby boy, Lachlan, to the world and returned home just in time for Mother’s Day.

“I was a little bit worried about raising a family on the station, but the RFDS has always been there for us and is always ready to help. They give us the confidence to live out here.”

ELLE-JAY RFDS PATIENT

Baby Lachlan was born safely on 30 April 2025.

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Impact Report

Your investment: Our fleet for

the future

As we continue to evolve, so does our fleet, ensuring we meet the needs of the communities we serve.

The RFDS currently operates a mixed fleet of Beechcraft King Air B200, B350 and B360 aircraft.

While the B360 aircraft are ideal for longer distances, their weight limits access to shorter, more remote airstrips. We need a lighter alternative.

As a result, our planned seventh Beechcraft King Air B360 has been switched to two new 260C aircraft arriving in 2027. Over the next five years, we will acquire more 260C aircraft to replace the B200s as they retire.

In the past financial year our 10-year Fleet Strategy was reviewed, and the King Air 260C has been identified as the best replacement for our aging B200 aircraft. It meets our operational needs while maintaining access to remote communities.

By committing to the 260C, the RFDS can streamline aircraft maintenance, standardise pilot training, and optimise parts management.

Year of manufacture

Registration

Description

VH-FDZ

Beechcraft King Air B200

2004

Date acquired Dedications December 2004

VH-VJU

Beechcraft King Air B200

2004

December 2004

VH-VQD

Beechcraft King Air B200

2004

December 2004

VH-VOQ

Beechcraft King Air B200

2007

April 2007

VH-VAQ

Beechcraft King Air B200

2007

July 2007

VH-FDT

Beechcraft King Air B200

2007

October 2007

VH-FDG

Beechcraft King Air B200

2009

July 2009

VH-FDS

Beechcraft King Air B200C

2010

September 2010 Drover – named through public vote

by Brisbane Airport Corporation

VH-FDM

Beechcraft King Air B200C

2010

November 2010

VH-FDI

Beechcraft King Air B200C

2010

November 2010

VH-FDL

Beechcraft King Air B200

2014

July 2014

VH-FDO

Beechcraft King Air B200

2014

VH-FDN

Beechcraft King Air B350C

2014

March 2015

VH-FDF

Beechcraft King Air B350C

2015

August 2015 Roderick J Bowe, John D Bowe and Anne J Carne

VH-FDC

Beechcraft King Air B350C

2016

August 2016 Ray Grace

VH-FDD

Beechcraft King Air B350C

2017

VH-VJZ

Beechcraft King Air B200

2006

VH-VJX

Beechcraft King Air B200

2006

January 2019 Bevan Jibson

VH-VJW

Beechcraft King Air B200

2006

February 2019

VH-VJY

Beechcraft King Air B200

2006

February 2019

VH-FDW

Beechcraft King Air B360C

2021

December 2021 Charles Goode AC

VH-FDA

Beechcraft King Air B360C

2022

September 2022 John and Vicki Williams

VH-FDB

Beechcraft King Air B360C

2022

December 2022 Hancock Prospecting and Rinehart Medical Foundation

VH-FDR

Beechcraft King Air B360C

2021

VH-8FQ

Beechcraft King Air B360C

2023

VH-8FD

Beechcraft King Air B360C

2023

July 2014 Cooee – named by Ergon Energy Retail

July 2017 Outback Angel – unveiled by HRH Prince Charles, now King Charles January 2019 Geoffrey Carrick

July 2023 Clive Berghofer October 2023 March 2024 Cornelia Goode

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Your support: Pioneering Transforming the Medical Chest For more than 80 years, the RFDS Medical Chest has been a lifeline for Australians isolated from pharmacies and medical services. In Queensland, approximately 1,300 medical chests are held at remote locations across the state.

This year, with support from the Kinghorn Foundation, we launched the Medical Chest Augmentation Project – a critical project to enhance this vital service for the 21st century.

The project introduces remote patient monitoring devices, diagnostic equipment and video capability to select medical chests. This allows our telehealth clinicians to get a clearer picture when assessing patients remotely, helping doctors make better decisions about whether a patient can be safely managed at home or needs evacuation.

This improves both patient outcomes and how we coordinate our aeromedical resources.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

new ways to care

We’re also developing a digital web-based portal for chest holders to replace paper-based processes.

The portal will include first aid education resources and enable better engagement with medical chest holders, empowering communities to feel more confident accessing services when needed.

Early findings show the augmentation is making our healthcare delivery more efficient, with communities receiving timely care and feeling more empowered to manage health issues locally.

By enhancing connectivity, capability and confidence across remote Queensland, this project is building long-term resilience and capacity in local communities – fundamentally reshaping how healthcare is accessed and delivered in the bush.

Enhancing connectivity, capability and confidence across remote Queensland.

Impact Report

Building our

research capability

As we approach our centenary, we’re investing in research to deliver even better care for the communities who need us most. Our Research Strategy 2023–2028 is about improving health outcomes for regional, rural and remote Queenslanders.

Through research, we can provide timely, high-quality, culturally safe care. We’ll use what we learn to strengthen and expand our services, ensuring we continue to deliver the finest care to the furthest corners of Queensland.

At the heart of this work is our newly established RFDS Research Hub, which supports our teams to turn innovative ideas into better patient care. The Hub transforms how we approach research – from individual projects to a strategic approach that empowers our people to create meaningful change.

Over the past year, our growing Research Team has led and collaborated on studies that directly improve clinical care and service delivery. These projects have explored how telehealth and retrieval services save lives in emergencies, how innovations like the Medical Chest can strengthen remote communities, and how technology can help us provide faster, safer care in hard-to-reach places. Each finding adds to the knowledge that drives practical change across our operations.

The Hub is also helping us build a strong foundation for the future, turning research into real-world solutions.

This research-focused approach ensures we remain at the forefront of aeromedical and primary healthcare delivery, creating evidence-based solutions that benefit patients, families and communities throughout regional, rural and remote Queensland.

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Your investment: Building

for the future

Investing in infrastructure Your support helps us build the future of rural and remote healthcare across Queensland. As a leading healthcare provider, we’re investing in infrastructure that will serve communities for generations to come.

As we approach 100 years of operation, our Infrastructure Strategy ensures we build strong foundations to deliver the finest care to the furthest corner, now and into the future.

Mount Isa Base Thanks to an incredible partnership between government, industry and community, the redevelopment of our Mount Isa Base is nearing completion. This transformative project represents a major step forward in delivering improved patient outcomes and streamlined aeromedical services for communities across western Queensland.

Completed in November 2025, this facility will enable the RFDS and LifeFlight Australia to operate side by side, strengthening collaboration and ensuring faster responses to those who need us most.

The new base features four dedicated hangar bays, enhanced maintenance areas and improved patient transfer facilities – all designed to ensure our teams can provide world-class care when every second counts.

The facility will also include a new Visitor Experience Centre, where you can learn about our rich history and the vital impact your support has on remote western Queensland and beyond.

This project has been made possible through remarkable partnerships. Queensland Government contributed $10.9 million, the Australian Government $9.7 million, and Queensland Airports Limited $600,000. The North Australian Pastoral Company and Stanbroke have generously contributed, alongside countless individuals, small businesses and local community fundraisers.

Together, we’re building more than infrastructure, we’re building hope, access and opportunity for every Queenslander who calls the outback home.

Mount Isa Base site works as of May 2025.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Impact Report

Brisbane Aeromedical Hub In August 2024, we celebrated a significant milestone with a sod turning at the new Brisbane Aeromedical Hub. With funding from the Queensland Government, this state-of-the-art facility will feature modern hangars, a new patient transfer facility, and office space for operational and support teams that will bring all Brisbane-based staff together under one roof. The project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Thanks to supporters and partners who have contributed to the to the future fit-out of the new RFDS Brisbane Base and the Operations Control Centre.

Emerald Patient Transfer Facility Emerald Airport will soon celebrate a major upgrade with a new RFDS Patient Transfer Facility, scheduled for completion in 2026.

Thanks to the Queensland Government, Central Highlands Regional Council, Suncorp Bank and the Rotary Club of Emerald, this facility will strengthen patient transfers across central Queensland, protecting patients and our teams in all weather conditions.

Brisbane Aeromedical Hub site works as of June 2025.

Together, we’re building more than infrastructure, we’re building hope, access and opportunity for every Queenslander who calls the outback home.

Emerald Patient Transfer Facility

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

RFDS Aeromedical Training Academy In October 2024, we celebrated the opening of our Aeromedical Training Academy in Bundaberg­—a milestone made possible by extraordinary community support.

This $25.4 million facility, located beside our Bundaberg Base, houses the only Beechcraft King Air Pro-Line Fusion Full-Flight Simulator in Australia.

Since achieving Civil Aviation Safety Authority certification in October, it’s become a destination for aviation training excellence.

The simulator enhances pilot proficiency across Beechcraft King Air B260, 350, 360 and 360Q aircraft. To date, 38 RFDS pilots have completed more than 240 training sessions, strengthening their skills to keep patients safe.

Beyond internal training, the academy has proven to be a substantial commercial venture, enabling external clients to access world-class simulation technology right here in regional Queensland.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

This achievement was supported by $14.9 million from the Australian Government, $3 million from QCoal Foundation, and generous corporate and philanthropic donations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to John Santalucia for his significant support, and to Bundaberg Regional Council for donating the land.

Together, you’re helping us train the finest pilots to deliver the finest care.

“This particular simulator is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere; it allows us to configure into four different models of aircraft, giving us greater flexibility in training courses and a bigger commercial market to tap into.”

SHANE LAWREY GENERAL MANAGER – AVIATION TRAINING AND STANDARDS

Impact Report

Celebrating our

partners

Thanks to our passionate and committed partners the RFDS (Queensland Section) can provide the finest care to the furthest corner.

Principal Partners

Major Corporate Supporters

Corporate Supporters

Community Partners

Major National Partners

2024/25 Supporters

National Partners

The RFDS (Queensland Section) would like to thank some of our most significant supporters in 2024/25.

Clive Berghofer AM

John Santalucia

Charles Goode AC & Cornelia Goode

Tim Fairfax AC & Gina Fairfax AC

Major Trust and Foundation Supporters APS Foundation Black Dog Ride Australia Collier Charitable Fund The E Robert Hayles & Alison L Hayles Charitable Trust

Gambling Community Benefit Fund

The John Waller Foundation

Goldburg Family Foundation

The Kinghorn Foundation

James Frizelle Charitable Foundation

Mazda Foundation

RP Medical Fund Stanwell Community Partnership Fund St John’s Grace Fund

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

Thank you to our committed supporters, whose kindness and care continue to fly us forward every day.

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The furthest corner. The finest care.

Impact Report

COOKTOWN FAR NORTH MENTAL HEALTH TEAM

RFDS (Queensland Section)

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RFDS (Queensland Section)

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Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land.

For more information visit flyingdoctor.com.au/qld 32

The furthest corner. The finest care.