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RFDS FRIENDS IN THE UK

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides vital 24 hour emergency cover,
and clinical and preventative health services across 90% of Australia’s land mass to almost 300,000 rural and remote patients per year –
that’s more than one every two minutes.

  • The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, it delivers extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia.

    The RFDS is a not-for-profit organisation that relies heavily on fundraising and donations from the community to purchase aircraft and fund much-needed medical and aeromedical equipment.

    The RFDS is internationally recognised as an aeromedical innovator, widely known for its ability to respond to health emergencies in remote parts of Australia. The RFDS also plays a vital role in meeting the primary health care needs for country Australia.

    To find out more about what the RFDS does in Australia visit www.flyingdoctor.org.au

    If you are planning a trip to outback Australia you might find it helpful to view this information about preparing to travel

  • The RFDS began as the dream of the Rev John Flynn, a minister with the Presbyterian Church. He witnessed the daily struggle of pioneers living in remote areas where just two doctors provided the only medical care for an area of almost
    2 million square kilometres.

    Flynn’s vision was to provide a ‘mantle of safety’ for these people and on 15 May 1928, his dream had become a reality with the opening of the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service (later renamed the Royal Flying Doctor Service) in Cloncurry, Queensland. Over the next few years, the RFDS began to
    expand across Australia.

  • The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, it delivers extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia.

    The RFDS is a not-for-profit organisation that relies heavily on fundraising and donations from the community to purchase aircraft and fund much-needed medical and aeromedical equipment.

    The RFDS is internationally recognised as an aeromedical innovator, widely known for its ability to respond to health emergencies in remote parts of Australia. The RFDS also plays a vital role in meeting the primary health care needs for country Australia.

    To find out more about what the RFDS does in Australia visit www.flyingdoctor.org.au

    If you are planning a trip to outback Australia you might find it helpful to view this information about preparing to travel

  • The RFDS began as the dream of the Rev John Flynn, a minister with the Presbyterian Church. He witnessed the daily struggle of pioneers living in remote areas where just two doctors provided the only medical care for an area of almost
    2 million square kilometres.

    Flynn’s vision was to provide a ‘mantle of safety’ for these people and on 15 May 1928, his dream had become a reality with the opening of the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service (later renamed the Royal Flying Doctor Service) in Cloncurry, Queensland. Over the next few years, the RFDS began to
    expand across Australia.

About RFDS – Friends in the UK

Formed in 2003, the Royal Flying Doctor Service – Friends in the UK was established as an initiative to mark the 75th Anniversary of the first Flying Doctor Flight.

As Patron of The RFDS – Friends in the UK, His Majesty King Charles III has generously supported this charity’s activities. In November 2012, while on the Australian leg of his Diamond Jubilee tour, His Majesty King Charles officially named the new RFDS Beechcraft Kingair 200C aircraft in honour of the ‘RFDS – Friends in the UK’ in recognition of funds raised by the RFDS – Friends in the UK. Read more about the event here.

The RFDS – Friends in the UK consists of trustees who raise funds in London, the proceeds of which go toward much-needed medical and aeromedical equipment.

Listen to stories from the RFDS team via their podcast RFDS Podcast

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is the largest rural and remote health service provider in Australia, taking the finest care to the furthest corner.

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

337,686

Patient Contacts

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

107,509

Patients Transported

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

79 Number of Aircrafts

163 Number of Vehicles

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

28,953,688

Kilometres Flown

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia

7,690,000 sq km

Total Surface Area Covered

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

23,633

Healthcare Clinics

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia

23

Aero-bases

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia

62,328

Covid-19 Vaccinations

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

63,837

Telehealth Consultations

RFDS Vital Statistics
The RFDS Australia (per year)

20,134

Dental Care Consultations

RFDS Costs

The annual cost of providing these essential services is considerable. Below are some indicative costs of RFDS operations (which are subject to variation due to various factors such as exchange rates).

His Royal Highness, The former Prince of Wales

PATRON 2003 – 2022

His Royal Highness, the former Prince of Wales has generously supported the charity’s activities.

In November 2012, while on the Australian leg of his Diamond Jubilee tour, His Royal Highness, the former Prince of Wales officially named the new RFDS Beechcraft Kingair 200C aircraft in honour of the ‘RFDS – Friends in the UK’ in recognition of funds raised by the RFDS – Friends in the UK.

Acting High Commissioner,
Lynette Wood

VICE PATRON

Lynette Wood is the Acting High Commissioner for Australia to the United Kingdom. Ms Wood is a senior career diplomat from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously served as Australia’s Ambassador to Germany. The Acting High Commissioner is proud to be the Vice Patron of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, Friends in the UK.

Peter J Box – Chairman

TRUSTEE SINCE 2008

I’m an Australian living in England and, following a career in chartered accountancy, I now serve on a number of boards in the insurance industry. I was brought up in the bush so I know what it’s like to live in a remote area and how important medical services are to that community. It is a real privilege and a pleasure to be able to raise funds for the RFDS to continue to do its important work.

Lady Ros Higgins

TRUSTEE SINCE 2012

I’m an Australian who grew up in country Queensland and I’ve lived with my family in London for the past 16 years.  Over that time I’ve worked on the committees of a variety of charitable organisations in both the arts and cultural heritage. I have a keen interest in supporting the vital work of the RFDS in outback communities.

David Nelligan

TRUSTEE SINCE 2014

I am an Australian living in London and working as a partner of an international law firm.  I was brought up in rural South Australia where my family still live.  My family and friends have relied on the fantastic service of the RFDS in the past and appreciate the importance of the services provided.  Being a Trustee enables me to support the valuable work of the RFDS.

Greg Sam

TRUSTEE SINCE 2014

I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section in 2014, bringing extensive health, government and corporate experience. The Board and I are working to build upon the longstanding strength of the Service and position it for future long-term success in a changing operating environment. I’m proud to be involved in supporting this vital healthcare service.

Jacqui Thompson

TRUSTEE SINCE 2017

I am an Australian with a very international background.  Born and raised in Sydney, I built and sold my own business before moving with my family to New York in 1990.  I returned to Australia in 1995 but moved internationally again in 2000, this time to London where I still live. I have a broad based interests in the arts, theatre, photography and travel. I am a very active member of the Australian community and a passionate supporter of Australian business, sporting and charitable interests in the UK.  I am a long-standing supporter of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia and the UK and so it is pleasure to continue this support as a Trustee.

Belinda Miles

TRUSTEE SINCE 2017

I am an Australian living in the United Kingdom with a very strong medical background.

Having worked with several charities in the past I am very keen to support this wonderful charity to ensure it continues to provide the much needed service to our outback Australians.

Penny Dudley

TRUSTEE SINCE 2017

I am an Australian living in London and a long-time admirer of the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I am the general counsel of a global health and care company. It’s a privilege to bring together my professional focus on health and care with supporting the legacy and future development of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which continues to make such a valuable contribution to rural Australians.

Louise Mulley

TRUSTEE SINCE 2018

Having gone to school in Queensland with boarders from various remote country locations, I grew up hearing about the incredible services provided by the RFDS across Australia. I moved to the UK in 1996 to complete an LLM and practised in the City for several years, after which I spent time organising events for a variety of charitable organisations. I am delighted to have joined the board of the Friends of the RFDS in the UK to support this incredible charity – a very Australian charity.

Tanya Coventry

TRUSTEE SINCE 2018

I was born and raised in England but I’m a frequent visitor to Australia to see friends and family. My brother lives in Australia and was a doctor at the RFDS base in Mount Isa for several years. Learning about his experiences and those of my friends growing up in rural Australia I am very keen to support the vital and valuable service provided by the RFDS and to help ensure its long term success.

Ruth Sandow

TRUSTEE SINCE 2018

I was born and educated in rural South Australia before training as a registered nurse at the now “old” Royal Adelaide Hospital. After graduation I worked in Perth, Western Australia, returning to rural South Australia in 1976 where I worked as a registered nurse in local hospitals and in the community.
My husband, Jon and I own a station property in outback New South Wales and a smaller intense-farming property in the Riverina area of New South Wales. There have been several occasions when we have needed the services of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Since moving to New South Wales I have been actively engaged in local and regional organisations such as Landcare, Distance Education and Regional Development but particularly in the restoration of local heritage buildings and the repurpose of them into volunteer-run museums and local history centres.
I became a director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, South East Section in 2010. Prior to election as president in 2016 I was vice president for two years. I currently also serve as a director on the Federation Board.

Meredith Ridgway

TRUSTEE SINCE 2022

I am an Australian living in London. I grew up in rural South Australia before attending boarding school in Adelaide. I worked for the RFDS in Adelaide which is where I developed a keen interest in the valuable support the RFDS provides for all Australians. It is my pleasure to join the board of the RFDS, Friends in the UK and I look forward to assisting with the fundraising efforts to continue to support this incredible charity.

John Martin

TRUSTEE SINCE 2022

I am an Australian who has been living in Europe and the United Kingdom for thirty years and, following an international career in investment banking, now serve as a company director. I spent my early years in Toowoomba, Queensland, and I understand the vital role that the RFDS plays in providing medical services in remote areas of Australia. It is an honour for me to join RDFS Friends in the UK and to assist in its important fund raising activities.

His Royal Highness, The former Prince of Wales

PATRON 2003 – 2022

His Royal Highness, the former Prince of Wales has generously supported the charity’s activities.

In November 2012, while on the Australian leg of his Diamond Jubilee tour, His Royal Highness, the former Prince of Wales officially named the new RFDS Beechcraft Kingair 200C aircraft in honour of the ‘RFDS – Friends in the UK’ in recognition of funds raised by the RFDS – Friends in the UK.

Acting High Commissioner,
Lynette Wood

VICE PATRON

Lynette Wood is the Acting High Commissioner for Australia to the United Kingdom. Ms Wood is a senior career diplomat from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously served as Australia’s Ambassador to Germany. The Acting High Commissioner is proud to be the Vice Patron of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, Friends in the UK.

Peter J Box – Chairman

TRUSTEE SINCE 2008

I’m an Australian living in England and, following a career in chartered accountancy, I now serve on a number of boards in the insurance industry. I was brought up in the bush so I know what it’s like to live in a remote area and how important medical services are to that community. It is a real privilege and a pleasure to be able to raise funds for the RFDS to continue to do its important work.

Lady Ros Higgins

TRUSTEE SINCE 2012

I’m an Australian who grew up in country Queensland and I’ve lived with my family in London for the past 16 years.  Over that time I’ve worked on the committees of a variety of charitable organisations in both the arts and cultural heritage. I have a keen interest in supporting the vital work of the RFDS in outback communities.

David Nelligan

TRUSTEE SINCE 2014

I am an Australian living in London and working as a partner of an international law firm.  I was brought up in rural South Australia where my family still live.  My family and friends have relied on the fantastic service of the RFDS in the past and appreciate the importance of the services provided.  Being a Trustee enables me to support the valuable work of the RFDS.

Greg Sam

TRUSTEE SINCE 2014

I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section in 2014, bringing extensive health, government and corporate experience. The Board and I are working to build upon the longstanding strength of the Service and position it for future long-term success in a changing operating environment. I’m proud to be involved in supporting this vital healthcare service.

Jacqui Thompson

TRUSTEE SINCE 2017

I am an Australian with a very international background.  Born and raised in Sydney, I built and sold my own business before moving with my family to New York in 1990.  I returned to Australia in 1995 but moved internationally again in 2000, this time to London where I still live. I have a broad based interests in the arts, theatre, photography and travel. I am a very active member of the Australian community and a passionate supporter of Australian business, sporting and charitable interests in the UK.  I am a long-standing supporter of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia and the UK and so it is pleasure to continue this support as a Trustee.

Belinda Miles

TRUSTEE SINCE 2017

I am an Australian living in the United Kingdom with a very strong medical background.

Having worked with several charities in the past I am very keen to support this wonderful charity to ensure it continues to provide the much needed service to our outback Australians.

Penny Dudley

TRUSTEE SINCE 2017

I am an Australian living in London and a long-time admirer of the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I am the general counsel of a global health and care company. It’s a privilege to bring together my professional focus on health and care with supporting the legacy and future development of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which continues to make such a valuable contribution to rural Australians.

Louise Mulley

TRUSTEE SINCE 2018

Having gone to school in Queensland with boarders from various remote country locations, I grew up hearing about the incredible services provided by the RFDS across Australia. I moved to the UK in 1996 to complete an LLM and practised in the City for several years, after which I spent time organising events for a variety of charitable organisations. I am delighted to have joined the board of the Friends of the RFDS in the UK to support this incredible charity – a very Australian charity.

Tanya Coventry

TRUSTEE SINCE 2018

I was born and raised in England but I’m a frequent visitor to Australia to see friends and family. My brother lives in Australia and was a doctor at the RFDS base in Mount Isa for several years. Learning about his experiences and those of my friends growing up in rural Australia I am very keen to support the vital and valuable service provided by the RFDS and to help ensure its long term success.

Ruth Sandow

TRUSTEE SINCE 2018

I was born and educated in rural South Australia before training as a registered nurse at the now “old” Royal Adelaide Hospital. After graduation I worked in Perth, Western Australia, returning to rural South Australia in 1976 where I worked as a registered nurse in local hospitals and in the community.
My husband, Jon and I own a station property in outback New South Wales and a smaller intense-farming property in the Riverina area of New South Wales. There have been several occasions when we have needed the services of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Since moving to New South Wales I have been actively engaged in local and regional organisations such as Landcare, Distance Education and Regional Development but particularly in the restoration of local heritage buildings and the repurpose of them into volunteer-run museums and local history centres.
I became a director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, South East Section in 2010. Prior to election as president in 2016 I was vice president for two years. I currently also serve as a director on the Federation Board.

Meredith Ridgway

TRUSTEE SINCE 2022

I am an Australian living in London. I grew up in rural South Australia before attending boarding school in Adelaide. I worked for the RFDS in Adelaide which is where I developed a keen interest in the valuable support the RFDS provides for all Australians. It is my pleasure to join the board of the RFDS, Friends in the UK and I look forward to assisting with the fundraising efforts to continue to support this incredible charity.

John Martin

TRUSTEE SINCE 2022

I am an Australian who has been living in Europe and the United Kingdom for thirty years and, following an international career in investment banking, now serve as a company director. I spent my early years in Toowoomba, Queensland, and I understand the vital role that the RFDS plays in providing medical services in remote areas of Australia. It is an honour for me to join RDFS Friends in the UK and to assist in its important fund raising activities.

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