You power the lifeline that Queenslanders rely on, no matter the distance.
WEATHER WARRIORS EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.
FAMILY LEGACY GENERATIONS UNITED BY THE FLYING DOCTOR’S MISSION.
FUTURE FLIGHT NEW MOUNT ISA BASE TRANSFORMING OUTBACK HEALTHCARE DELIVERY.
From cyclones to flooding, Mother Nature has certainly tested our resilience. But here’s what amazes me most: in every single emergency, our crews have been there, ensuring no one is left behind.
Take Nick Tully, our Deputy Head of Flying Operations, whose recent efforts during the Western Queensland floods perfectly captures what the RFDS is all about. When communities were isolated by flood waters, Nick and his team flew straight into the disaster zone – rescuing people, delivering supplies, and
even helping save stranded livestock. You’ll read about our emergency response on page 4.
Our first-ever Giving Day in April was extraordinary! In just 24 hours, supporters like you raised over $360,000 to help RFDS Take to the Skies and deliver the finest care to the furthest corner of Queensland. You can read more on page 9.
Congratulations also to our Rockhampton Auxiliary, celebrating 30 incredible years of service! You can read more about the rich history of RFDS Auxiliaries on page 14. As we edge closer to our
centenary in 2028, projects like our new Mount Isa Base (page 12) are becoming a reality thanks to your kind support. Nearly 100 years after RFDS founder John Flynn set out to establish a ‘Mantle of Safety’ for the people of Australia’s most remote communities, you are now a key part of continuing this vision into the future.
Your support keeps the Flying Doctor flying and ensures no Queenslander is ever out of reach of care.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Warmest regards,
Meredith Staib Chief Executive Officer RFDS (Queensland Section)
For John Tully, life on remote Queensland stations has been defined by both moments of joy, and moments where life has hung in the balance. Through it all, the Flying Doctor has been his family's lifeline.
John's first encounter with the RFDS came as a young boy, watching doctors perform emergency surgery on his father after a windmill accident. Years later, the Flying Doctor would play crucial roles in his own growing family's life.
“My wife Wendy and I had eight sons and two daughters,” John recalls.
“Our boys were very active and adventurous, always pushing boundaries, which
caused many accidents.”
When their son, Ian was found unconscious after a bike accident, the RFDS flew him to Brisbane. Thanks to the crew’s swift response, Ian successfully recovered in hospital.
Later, when Wendy experienced complications and was at risk of miscarriage,
the Flying Doctor was there to support and transfer her to Charleville for urgent care. Baby Christine was later safely delivered in Kingaroy.
In 2001, John himself needed urgent care after colliding with a powerline while aerial mustering. “It was only after the RFDS landed in Charleville to refuel and take on six units of blood that the nurse could tell Wendy I was stable,” John says.
Today, John's son Nick continues the family's connection as an RFDS Pilot in Charleville, while John is a proud long-term Flying Doctor supporter, helping to ensure others receive the same life-saving care his family has experienced.
“We couldn't be prouder,” says John. “The term 'mantle of safety' might be a cliché, but it is truly accurate.”
Thanks to you,
the Flying Doctor is there for families like John in their time of need.
As Queensland recently battled unprecedented flooding across its western regions, your support of the Flying Doctor enabled our teams to serve as a vital lifeline to remote communities. Thanks to your generosity, we've been able to respond swiftly to these emergency situations, bringing hope and healthcare to those isolated by floodwaters.
Record-breaking floods have devastated parts of outback Queensland, forcing entire communities to evacuate.
Small towns including Thargomindah, Adavale and Jundah were among the hardest hit, with residents relocated to Charleville and Longreach. The scale of the disaster is immense, with an estimated 140,000 livestock lost and thousands of properties left underwater.
“We worked closely with Queensland Health to identify vulnerable people in affected communities,” says Charleville RFDS Nurse Manager Jo Mahony. “We proactively moved some patients to evacuation sites and coordinated medication deliveries with local councils.”
In an extraordinary display of dedication, RFDS Deputy Head of Flying Operations Nick Tully interrupted his annual leave to assist with emergency efforts. Meeting with helicopter pilots in Quilpie, Nick helped coordinate evacuations and deliver essential supplies to isolated properties.
The RFDS team has reached vulnerable communities including Windorah, Thargomindah, Yowah, Jundah, Birdsville and Eulo, offering primary health care and mental health support from airports, hospitals and evacuation centers.
Recognising the mental health impact of successive disasters, RFDS mental health clinicians provided psychological first aid to evacuated families in Longreach. They have now resumed flying to remote locations across central and southwest Queensland where safe access is possible.
“The psychological impact of these repeated disasters cannot be underestimated,” explains Dr. Tim Driscoll, RFDS State Manager - Mental Health. “That's why we're expanding our mental health
services with a new office opening in Toowoomba, funded by a recent grant. This will allow us to reach more people in need across the Darling Downs region.”
This latest flooding follows a relentless sequence of weather emergencies, including ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper which flooded the RFDS Cairns Base, ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily affecting areas north of Townsville, and most recently ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which paralysed much of south-east Queensland, including the RFDS Brisbane Base, in March.
You ensure our teams remain ready to deploy wherever and whenever they’re needed most.
Growing up two hours outside Mount Isa on Rocklands Station, Zoe Miller knows the vital importance of the Flying Doctor. Now, the recent winner of hit ABC TV show Muster Dogs is channeling her newfound spotlight into meaningful causes.
“Since my time with Muster Dogs I've gained more confidence in myself,” Zoe explains. “While I have a spotlight on me from winning the show, I'd like to direct that to the RFDS.”
ABC's hit television show Muster Dogs followed five young kelpies and their handlers as they compete to train working dogs for cattle mustering across rural Australia. After winning the season with her dog Holbrook, Zoe has become a familiar
face to audiences nationwide. Zoe committed to running a half marathon in June 2024 with an ambitious fundraising goal of $15,000 for the Flying Doctor. Her motivation stems from personal experience – having been flown by the RFDS twice in her younger years, first as a sick baby and later after a snake bite.
“The RFDS is important when you are living remotely or rurally,” she says. “Even if you don't have to call on the service, the fact that it is there
is a huge reassurance.”
Her father Gavin agrees, having relied on RFDS medical chests while raising his family on remote cattle properties. “The fact that there is an experienced medical professional on the other end of the phone guiding you in providing medical support to your family or team is very important.”
Named the 2024 RFDS
Local Hero for the Mount Isa Region, presented by Ergon Energy Retail, Zoe was surprised by the recognition. “I was blown away when I heard the news. It provides positive gearing for what I'm here to do – advocating for what the RFDS does.”
With her characteristic determination, Zoe hopes her efforts will ensure the Flying Doctor remains available for all rural Queenslanders. “For a lot of families, without the Flying Doctor they would have lost a family member. The service keeps families together and that's truly special.”
Thankyou
for ensuring the Flying Doctor can be there for Queenslanders across the state, just like Zoe. If you’d like to raise funds for the RFDS, you can Do Your Thing here:
Among our dedicated RFDS team is a remarkable fatherdaughter duo whose shared passion for flight and service represents the heart of the mission you help us deliver.
Steve Wallace, a 14-year veteran RFDS pilot based in Brisbane, discovered his calling early in his career when assisting with medical retrievals as a charter pilot. “Seeing people get the care they needed was very rewarding,” Steve reflects.
What he never anticipated was that his daughter Bernadette would follow his path to the skies. Now based in Cairns, Bernadette is part of the RFDS Aircrew Mentoring Program (RAMP), designed for newer pilots transitioning into
aeromedical flights.
The RAMP program, funded entirely by generous donations from supporters like you, provides essential training and mentorship to help new pilots safely navigate the unique challenges of aeromedical flights.
“Having spent so much time around aviation growing up, being a pilot was always something I had my eye on,” she explains. “All my life I've wanted to do something that helps other people.”
Though stationed at opposite ends of Queensland, they've shared special moments, including an unexpected reunion on the Bundaberg tarmac when their flights coincidentally crossed paths.
Steve beams with pride at Bernadette's rapid progress. “It took me a decade to join RFDS.
She's done it in two years.”
For Bernadette, her father's wisdom remains constant: “He reminds me that even on the hard days, we are so lucky to do what we do.”
While they dream of flying a mission together someday, both treasure their unique journey of purpose and passion in service to remote Queenslanders.
Your support helps train the next generation of Flying Doctor pilots. Thanks to you, pilots like Steve and Bernadette can continue delivering expert care across Queensland's vast outback.
Queensland has treated Warren ‘very well’ all his life. Now, he’s decided to give back to his beloved home State with a gift in his Will to the Flying Doctor.
Having spent his early years living in Longreach and Mount Isa, Warren knows first-hand just how important the RFDS is to people living in the outback. “The people out there are very tough,” he says. “They have to be to survive. But as tough as they are, they still need support.”
As a monthly giver, Warren has been helping the Flying Doctor deliver crucial medical care to the outback for over ten years.
“In the major cities, you can go to a local doctor, hospital, or dentist pretty easily,” he explains. “But they don’t have that in the outback. Medical care can be hundreds of
kilometres away. That’s where the Flying Doctor comes in to fill the gap.”
Last year, Warren decided to take his support to even greater heights by leaving a gift in his Will to the RFDS. “I’ve set it up so that rather than a single lump sum, they’ll receive a donation every year, forever. I like the idea that in one hundred years’ time, they’ll be helping someone in Queensland because of the donation I gave that year –long after I’m gone.”
Warren’s legacy will help keep the Flying Doctor soaring, continuing a decadeslong tradition of helping people in the outback in their time of need. “The Flying Doctor is a part of history. It’s been there as long as aviation has been in Queensland. They’re always there when people need them, and they have been for years.”
When asked about his decision to leave a gift in his Will to the RFDS, Warren said his philosophy was simple: “You can’t take it with you. So be grateful for what you’ve got, share what you’ve got, and help others. I’m very grateful for all I’ve achieved in Queensland, and that’s why I wanted to give something back to the State and all the people in it.”
To learn more
about the power of your legacy or discuss leaving a gift in your Will, contact Michela and Maria: giftinwill@rfdsqld.com.au or scan the QR code here.
Queensland’s generosity soared to extraordinary levels during the first-ever statewide Giving Day on 2 April 2025, delivering life-changing results for remote communities across our vast state.
commitment to the Flying Doctor made this remarkable achievement possible. Many of you have supported us for years, understanding firsthand how vital these services are for regional, rural and remote communities.
The very first Take to the Skies Giving Day captured hearts across Queensland, with passionate supporters contributing $360,000 in just 24 hours. This created an incredible boost for essential aeromedical services and primary health care delivery. Brisbane's Eagle Street buzzed with excitement
as the RFDS brought the outback to the city. Grateful patients shared powerful stories while interactive displays gave supporters a glimpse into the critical work happening across Queensland's remote regions daily.
A massive thank you to all of you. Your ongoing
The funds raised will ensure world-class healthcare reaches every corner of Queensland, regardless of postcode. From emergency aeromedical flights to regular primary health care clinics, every dollar helps us maintain our essential services.
This extraordinary outpouring of support demonstrates the power of community coming together to support outback healthcare.
As a doctor with the RFDS, Dennis Costigan helped save many lives. Now aged 89, he continues to save thousands more as a member of our Support Crew.
“It was a great privilege to spend 12 and a half years as a Flying Doctor, five of them in Charleville, a one doctor base”, said Dennis.
“I provided monthly clinics and on call emergency services over an area of Southwest Queensland almost the size of Texas”.
In his time as a Flying Doctor, Dennis’ quickthinking and ingenuity saved many lives, “I remember once using a splint, fashioned by the RFDS Pilot, out of a wooden diving board for a truck driver with a broken thigh so we could transport him by road to the aircraft and load him safely.”
“Another time, I used pantyhose to stabilise the traction device for a man’s fractured neck while we flew him to Brisbane.”
While Dennis’s days as a Flying Doctor are now behind him, his dedication to helping people in the outback has never faded.
“They’re a stout-hearted people in the outback –exceptional people who are feeding the nation. And they’re entitled to the same level of medical, nursing and dental care as everyone else.”
Now retired, Dennis continues to help deliver crucial healthcare to rural and remote Queensland as a member of our Support Crew, giving monthly to
support RFDS. Today, he hopes that generous people like you will join him.
“Think of your donation like a brick in the wall that builds up the whole organisation,” said Dennis.
“It contributes to every aspect of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, from infrastructure, to aircraft, to logistics, to equipment to medicine and nursing.”
By joining people like Dennis as a regular giver, you can help deliver life-saving care whenever, wherever and however it’s needed.
This October, thousands of Australians will once again lace up their shoes, hop on bikes, and hit the pavement for the RFDS Oceans to Outback challenge. This month-long fitness and fundraising event transforms everyday activities into life-saving support for people living in the furthest corners of the country.
Take “The McDreamy’s”—a spirited group of medical students from Charles Sturt University who participated as future rural doctors. In 2024, their Oceans to Outback journey was filled with adventures, from unexpected lake falls to cow chases requiring emergency car rescues. “The most rewarding part is walking with each other every day... It’s so easy to get caught up with studies, so this has been a great experience to get us outside and together,” they shared.
The students embody
the spirit of the challenge perfectly. “We decided to register to support our rural mentors, and because the Royal Flying Doctor Service motivates us to provide healthcare to rural Australians,” they explain. Their team approach shows how Oceans to Outback brings people together to help people they may never meet. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into something extraordinary.
Last year, over 16,000 participants covered
more than 1.2 million kilometers and raised $3.5 million. But beyond the impressive numbers are thousands of individual stories of people choosing to make a difference, one step at a time.
Whether you’re walking for a loved one or running toward your own goals, you can make a real difference by signing up to Oceans to Outback. To learn more, scan the QR code or visit www. oceanstooutback.org.au
The new RFDS Mount Isa Base is almost ready to open, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters across Queensland.
Back in 2021, when we first shared our vision for a new Mount Isa facility, our existing 60-year-old hangar was struggling to meet the growing demands of our aeromedical service. As Ebony, the mother of young patient Ollie, described it then: “It's just a hangar—it's a shed where aircraft live.”
Fast forward to 2025, and construction is now well underway and close to completion on a state-of-theart facility that will transform healthcare delivery across Queensland's vast northwest region. This joint venture with LifeFlight will serve communities from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Bedourie, covering an area nearly the size of New South Wales.
“We're incredibly excited to see our vision becoming a reality,” says RFDS Mount Isa Nurse Manager JamieLee McCall. “The new base represents a significant leap forward in our ability to provide worldclass care.”
The facility features three dedicated hangars for RFDS aircraft, with purpose-built engineering spaces to maintain our fleet.
It includes a dedicated ambulance bay and proper patient transfer facilities –addressing a critical need that was identified years ago.
“Currently, there's no dedicated place for patients to wait or bathroom facilities,” Jamie-Lee noted back in 2021.
The new base solves these challenges with hospital-grade patient transfer facilities, dedicated waiting areas for families, and appropriate staff accommodations.
This modern facility has been designed to withstand Queensland's extreme weather conditions while providing essential amenities like proper bathrooms, showers, kitchens, and rest areas for crews who are on call.
The new Mount Isa Base stands as a testament to the community's commitment to ensuring all Queenslanders
have access to excellent healthcare, regardless of where they live. As we approach our centenary, this investment will secure the future of aeromedical care for decades to come.
The new Mount Isa Base is proudly funded by the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund – a voluntary partnership between the Queensland
Government, Participating Mineral Resources Industry Parties, the Queensland Resources Council and its members in association with the Australian Government and RFDS supporters.
RFDS would also like to give a special acknowledgment to:
D NAPCo
D Stanbroke
D Goldburg Family Foundation
D Nev Power and Family
D Roslyn Blacket
D AACo
D Jean Wheeler & the estate of Graeme Hartley Wheeler.
Thank you
for your support in making the new Mount Isa Base possible, from all of us here at the Flying Doctor.
For nearly a century, the Flying Doctor has relied on a powerful network of community support—the RFDS Auxiliaries. These dedicated volunteer groups have been the backbone of fundraising since the earliest days of the Flying Doctor.
In the late 1940s, pioneers like Mrs. Iris Buntine of Stonehenge organised town dances and Melbourne Cup sweeps, travelling rough outback roads to rally support behind a shared vision of healthcare for all. The historic “Queen of the Outback Quest” became a significant fundraising initiative, uniting communities in friendly competition. Anne Kleinschmidt from
Stonehenge was crowned Queen in 1977, while Mount Isa’s Erica Lang raised an impressive $25,000 in 1988. Urban auxiliaries soon emerged to connect city resources with rural needs. The Brisbane Auxiliary, established over 50 years ago, found success through art shows and exhibitions, while creative groups like the Chillagoe Fund Raising Committee raised record
amounts through community events and fun runs.
But auxiliaries remain a vital part of the RFDS story today, collectively raising over $250,000 in the last financial year alone to ensure the Flying Doctor continues delivering life-saving care to the furthest corner.
Leading this modern legacy is the Rockhampton Auxiliary, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Since 1995, this dedicated group has become a cornerstone of Flying Doctor support
in Central Queensland, hosting five signature morning tea events annually alongside creative initiatives including raffles, money boards, pop-up craft shops and fashion parades. Their regular RFDS merchandise stalls at local shopping centres have become familiar fixtures, while their prominent presence at the Beef Week event demonstrates three decades of unwavering commitment to keeping the Flying Doctor flying.
Want to join
an RFDS Auxiliary?
Contact us to become part of this proud tradition.
We are proud to share some recent answers from our bi-yearly Survey. Thanks to all who took the time to fill it out!
60%
of you told us the most important outcome from the work of the Flying Doctor is ensuring people in regional, rural and remote areas have access to the same healthcare as every other Australian.
These are the words you use to describe your support:
96%
of you of you care deeply about the work of the Flying Doctor and feel a strong commitment to our ambitious goals and aspirations.
64% of supporters like to hear about who needs the Flying Doctor's help.
48% have personally benefited from the service, or know someone who has.
35% have worked in aviation or healthcare.
906 people shared a story with us! The team thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every one.
Thank you
for your trust, your support, and for sharing your thoughts with us. Your answers are helping us to improve and plan for the future.
“The work, commitment, professionalism and efficiency of all workers are admirable. It is a real eye-opener for someone like me, always a city-dweller, to hear and read about the work that is done.”
– Anonymous
“Our granddaughter was born 14 weeks premature in a small outback town. Two local doctors kept her alive for six hours until the Flying Doctor and nurses arrived. The RFDS transported this tiny bundle of life over 1,000km to Brisbane where she was looked after with the greatest of care. Months later, she was allowed to go home. Today she is a lovely bubbly young woman of 18+ years, thanks to the RFDS and local doctors.” – Richard G
“The RFDS reflect the Australian values of equality and giving everyone a fair go. When a call for immediate medical assistance is received in remote regions, there is no judgement over whether or not the individual is worthy of assistance. The RFDS medical crews will respond to all requests for help.” – Darren M
“Just a massive thanks to them all. After two heart attacks and a massive gallbladder infection while living remote, I’m not sure I’d be here without them. RFDS are the most essential and also amazing service in the places where we don’t have quick access to major healthcare. Love you all.” – Katrina O
“I was bought to tears when I discovered that the RFDS looked after an emergency patient’s dog when he was flown to hospital from a campsite. Animals are a man’s best friend.” – Sheree S
“Here in the suburbs, we drive 10 to 15 minutes, in the country nothing is close, no corner stores, no doctors. The farmers supply everyone one in the Queensland community, we need to support each and everyone one of them and their families, and their families need the RFDS, without you guys they would not survive, the only charity I give to. Keep up the excellent work you do to keep Australia going.” – Trudie F
“My darling daughter was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2021 after suffering a seizure while we were on a trip to Alice Springs from Mitchell in Queensland. She enjoyed wonderful care from the nurse and doctor on board that day, sadly she passed away in August that year from a brain tumor. My sisters, nieces and I now participate each year in the ‘Oceans to Outback’ fundraiser to help keep the Flying Doctor in the air!” – Anonymous
First Nations students from NRL Cowboys House recently explored the RFDS Townsville Base through the innovative Raising Horizons program.
Students toured RFDS aircraft and engaged with pilots, doctors, nurses, and engineers who shared their professional journeys. This partnership with Gunggandji Aerospace aims to foster aviation pathways and provide an exclusive look at behind the scenes aviation operations at RFDS for young students.
“Aviation is at the core of everything we do at RFDS, and we're thrilled to be part of a program that encourages First Nations students to explore careers in the industry,” said RFDS Townsville Base Support Manager Gail Hills.
Some RFDS team members come with four paws, a wagging tail, and a heart of gold!
Our Mount Isa Base welcomed its newest team member in February – Lulu, a 14-month-old groodle who recently earned her therapy dog certification.
The friendly canine has already become a beloved addition to the team, bringing joy to staff and patients alike.
Lulu will be making regular visits to local schools, Mount Isa
Hospital, and the RFDS Mount Isa Base, providing comfort and emotional support to those in need. Her gentle temperament and special training make her perfect for the role.
“So many happy faces when meeting the newest recruit,” remarked staff members who have quickly embraced their four-legged colleague.
ROCKHAMPTON AUXILIARY’S LYN GARLAND SHARES A FAMILY FAVOURITE:
This is my Mum's updated version of her Mum's boiled fruit cake. My Nana worked as a shearer's cook in the Morvan area beginning in 1906 when she was 14. Made many times and often requested. – Lyn
Put in saucepan:
1 packet mixed fruit
1 packet of glazed cherries
1 pack of walnuts
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
½ tsp of bi-carb
1 tsp mixed spice
Quarter pound of cooking margarine.
METHOD:
Bring to boil and allow to simmer gently for 5-6 minutes. Allow to cool.
Add 2 well-beaten eggs, 1 cup of self raising flour and 1 cup of flour (sifted). Mix well with fruit sauce. Cook at 130 degrees for 2 hours.
500g zucchini, trimmed and sliced
500g broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets
2 stalks chopped cellery
1 chopped onion
4 cups chicken stock
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup Carnation evaporated milk
METHOD:
In a large saucepan, place zucchini, broccoli, celery, onion, stock and plenty of pepper. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly. Puree in batches in blender until smooth. Return to saucepan. Stir in milk but do not boil.
Thank you to everyone who shared their story as part of our 2025 RFDS Supporter Survey. You can read more on page 17!
“When I lived in Chillagoe the Flying Doctor was my GP and we all looked forward to the fortnightly visits and morning tea. I really appreciated the doctors and hope that this service is still extended to all those who need it.”
“My husband owes his life in part to the pilot and medical team who transported him when he had a serious heart attack. His major organs were all shutting down and I didn’t really expect him to be alive at the end of the three hour drive I made. After 18 days he was well enough to undergo quadruple bypass surgery. He is still with us eighteen years later, all thanks to the care and attention of the medical team and pilot of the emergency service.”
“I come from a small community that only has a primary health clinic, with no doctors, and had an accident at work. The RFDS are supporting our community by the weekly health clinic visits, their specialist referrals where we are seen quicker. I am very grateful to the doctor for her dedication in assisting in organising everything. RFDS seems to take the time to get to know the isolated communities more than you general practitioners in the larger communities. Thank you RFDS for all your help and support over the years.”
“My youngest son and I will remain eternally grateful for those dedicated doctors and nurses who saved our lives in 1973. We were initially flown via the RFDS from Paraburdoo to Port Hedland Hospital for stabilisation, and then on to Perth Hospital.”
