THE Royal Flying Doctor Service celebrated the 97th anniversary of their first flight on May 17, 1928, last week, marking a long and important legacy of providing healthcare to rural and remote communities in Australia.
RFDS’s first flight took off from Cloncurry, with pilot Arthur Affleck flying a single engine, timber plane with no navigational aids or radio, and only a compass to guide him.
Dr Kenyon St Vincent Welch joined Affleck in the plane, becoming the very first Flying Doctor.
Today the South-Eastern Section of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, which includes Broken Hill and the Far West region, is made up of an almost 400-strong team.
Dr Angela Gray, a general practitioner with the RFDS in Broken Hill, said she’s proud to be a part of the organisation’s legacy.
“The RFDS strives to deliver the best health care despite distance, sparseness and austere environment; I’m proud to be a part of that,” she said.
“Flying Doctor Day is a reminder of the origins of the RFDS, and of all the staff, communities and patients that came before. It’s also a reminder of the amazing team I am blessed to work with.”
RFDS Broken Hill accounts officer Kimberley Hayes has been a part of the team for 16 years.
“I love working for the RFDS, because everyday brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in rural and remote communities,” she said.
“After 16 years, I’m proud to be part of a team so deeply committed to the care, compassion, and connection across the country.
“To me, Flying Doctor Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible history and impact of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which began in 1928 through the vision and dedication of Rev. John Flynn.
“His legacy lives on in the lifesaving care the RFDS continues to provide across rural and remote Australia.”
