Our Patron

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I am an Australian living in England and, following a career in chartered accountancy and serving as a non-executive director for 10 years, I now spend my time supporting charity in the UK and local community activities. Having been brought up in the bush, I understand the challenges of living in a remote area and the critical importance of medical services to that community. It is a real privilege and pleasure to raise funds for the RFDS to help it continue its important work.

The RFDS is a charity in the UK that I’ve admired since childhood. It holds a special place in my heart, especially since I was named after the Rev. John Flynn, who was my great uncle. My father, Fred Baird, contributed to the organisation over the years, and I welcome the opportunity to support RFDS and continue my family’s involvement in various aspects. My professional journey has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of governance, financial oversight, project management, and technology.

I have worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service for many years and have seen firsthand the vital role it plays in supporting people and communities across rural and remote Australia. Growing up in regional Australia gave me a strong appreciation of the challenges of distance and access to healthcare. As CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Federation, I am proud to support our Friends in the UK and collaborate with supporters of this charity in the UK who are passionate about ensuring the ongoing success of this remarkable organisation and helping us support RFDS.

I bring executive and board experience across Australia’s listed, private equity, and family-owned businesses, with expertise in governance, people, digital, and innovation. Growing up in regional New South Wales gave me firsthand insight into the vital role of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As a Trustee of RFDS Friends UK, I am proud to support its mission and long-term impact, as well as the broader cause of charity in the UK.

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 worked as a doctor at the RFDS base in Mount Isa for several years. Learning about his experiences and those of my friends who grew up in rural Australia, I am very keen to support the RFDS, a vital service that plays an important role similar to many charities in the UK, and to help ensure its long-term success.

Born in Perth, Western Australia, I originally trained as a nurse. My upbringing in a farming family and my experiences working in rural hospital settings have instilled in me a lifelong respect and admiration for the services provided by the RFDS. After living in London for many years, I maintain strong family ties back in Australia. With my background in organising charitable events, I am excited to contribute to charity in the UK by collaborating with the trustees in their fundraising activities to support RFDS.

I am an Australian who has been living in Europe and the United Kingdom for thirty years. After a successful international career in investment banking, I currently serve as a company director. Growing up in Toowoomba, Queensland, I have a deep appreciation for the vital role that the RFDS plays in providing medical services in remote areas of Australia. It is an honour for me to join RFDS Friends in the UK, a charity in the UK that I wholeheartedly support, and to assist in its important fundraising activities.

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. After moving to the UK in 1996 to complete an LLM and practising in the City for several years, I spent time organising events for a variety of charitable organisations. I am delighted to have joined the board of RFDS - Friends in the UK to support this incredible charity in the UK – a truly remarkable Australian charity.

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, 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, a charity in the UK that plays a crucial role in fundraising efforts to continue supporting this incredible organisation.