At the Cowboys we know well the community spirit of North Queensland and how a common cause connects us, regardless of where we live. Regional, rural and remote towns become borderless when we barrack for the same team, fight for the same cause or share in someone's journey.
It's a knowledge shared by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), who connect rural and remote areas of Australia by providing services that meet needs no different to those of bigger cities. The RFDS sees first-hand the spirit of the north, most especially its rural and remote residents, and has been contributing to the health and wellbeing of Australians since 1928.
When the waiting rooms of our regional towns and cities are out of reach the RFDS works to see that those living in rural and remote areas can enjoy the same health outcomes as those living in city areas. With a waiting room of 7.69 million square kilometres, the RFDS provides 24-hour aeromedical emergency services that can reach anywhere within hours.
Combined with telehealth consultations, fly-in fly-out GP and nurse clinics, mobile dental services, patient transfers, and various other health services, the RFDS is constantly working to see that those living in rural and remote areas can enjoy the same health outcomes as those living in city areas.
Five Flying Doctor facts:
- Australia's most reputable charity seven years in a row (2011 – 2017).
- The RFDS is helping someone every 2 minutes of every day.
- 17,094 nurses, GP's and dental clinics were conducted across Australia.
- The RFDS fleet of 69 aircraft flew 26,412,555 kilometers just last year.
- 336,358 total patient contacts were made through RFDS clinics, aeromedical transports and telehealth consultations.
The RFDS is stopping over at this Friday's game to invite North Queenslanders to celebrate 90 years of the Flying Doctor. When the Cowboys clash with the Warriors the RFDS Townsville base team will be attending. The team is made up of health professionals who deliver services right here in Townsville, and to Queenslanders across the state.
You can meet the RFDS team on Friday at the LGIA Community Hub – stay up to date on our Facebook page, where we will be sharing more information on game day! For more information on the RFDS go to www.flyingdoctor.org.au.
