Annette Allison, Community Relations Manager for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, RFDS gave a passionate presentation of this critical health and emergency care service on Monday 1st October to Rotarians, guests and partners.
Concerned with the mortality rate in regional Australia due to the lack of access to medical care in isolated regions, the RFDS was inspired by the vision of John Flynn who wanted to provide a “mantle of safety” a lifeline of support across Australia.
"If you start an idea, nothing can stop it," he said back in 1919. Next year, the RFDS will celebrate its 80th anniversary - a testimony to the importance of this critical service.
The RFDS looks after over 650 patients per day; is the second largest airline in Australia with over 50 planes; has 27 bases across Australia and services Christmas Island, Lizard Island, Bathurst Island and Tasmania and all the areas in-between.
With an operating cost of $200 million annually, the RFDS also relies on fundraising to fit out the planes with medical equipment, or as Annette explained, “an intensive care unit in a phone box.”
Voted as the most credible and trusted charity by Readers Digest in 2004 and 2007, Annette says about her job, “It is the most amazing organisation to work for with nothing else like it in the world."
If you would like more information on the RFDS, or to support the organisation then please call Annette Allison on 9521 2633 or email her at: Annette@rfdsvic.com.au and she will mail out an information pack and newsletter.
Or, consider becoming a member of the Flying 1000 to help raise $1000 towards their much needed $1 million target.
No comments:
Post a Comment