Our History
The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia was founded on the vision of the Reverend John Flynn, who recognised the isolation and vulnerability faced by those living in Australia’s remote interior. At the time, just two doctors were responsible for nearly two million square kilometres. Flynn’s dream was to create a ‘mantle of safety’ for outback communities, supported by charity support from various organisations and individuals. On 15 May 1928, that dream became a reality with the launch of the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service in Cloncurry, Queensland – which later became known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Since those early flights, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected aeromedical organisations, including support from Friends in the UK who contribute to its mission.
Our Impact
Using advanced aircraft, leading-edge medical technology, and innovative communications systems, the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides emergency retrievals, primary healthcare, mental health services, and preventative care to remote communities across Australia. With the generous charity support of individuals, including our Friends in the UK, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a not-for-profit organisation, relies heavily on community fundraising and donations to maintain aircraft, equip medical teams, and deliver life-saving services where they are needed most. Internationally recognised as a pioneer in aeromedical care, the Royal Flying Doctor Service continues to innovate while remaining committed to its founding mission: ensuring that geography is no barrier to quality healthcare.
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Friends in the UK
Established in 2003 to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Flying Doctor flight, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Friends in the UK, plays a crucial role in charity support by advocating for and raising funds for the vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia. His Majesty King Charles III serves as Patron of Royal Flying Doctor Service, Friends in the UK, and has long championed its mission. In 2012, during his Diamond Jubilee tour of Australia, His Majesty officially named a Beechcraft King Air 200C aircraft in honor of Royal Flying Doctor Service, Friends in the UK, recognising the generous funds raised in Britain to support the Service. The charity is led by a voluntary board of trustees based in London, ensuring that funds raised in the UK go directly towards essential aircraft, medical, and aeromedical equipment, which are vital for supporting remote Australian communities.
Facts & Figures
345,136
345,136
345,136
Total patient contacts through RFDS clinics, aeromedical transports, and telehealth consultations
55,930
345,136
345,136
Patients in rural and remote areas used our telehealth services
22,462
345,136
22,462
Nurse and GP clinics were conducted across Australia
158,587
27,475,543 Km
22,462
Face-to-face primary health consultations are essential, and many organisations provide charity support to facilitate these services for Friends in the UK.
27,475,543 Km
27,475,543 Km
27,475,543 Km
We have flown the equivalent of 34 trips to the moon and back, all thanks to the charity support from Friends in the UK.
32,949
27,475,543 Km
27,475,543 Km
Patients transported by an aeromedical aircraft often benefit from charity support, especially through initiatives like Friends in the UK.