Delivering care wherever and whenever
Our century of experience has created a unique offering of health services that Australian people rely upon, from dental check-ups to mental health services. The RFDS connects over a third of Australians living in rural and remote areas, to primary health care, and life-saving medical and retrieval services.
AboutKeep the Flying Doctor flying
Every two minutes, someone needs the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Whether it’s a life-threatening injury, an inter-hospital transfer, or to see a GP, dentist or mental health clinician, the RFDS is there for Australians in need. The RFDS is a not-for-profit organisation, while we receive government support, we rely on donations to bridge the gap in funding. No one should suffer because they cannot access the healthcare they need.
More than just aeromedical health services
The RFDS is committed to improving healthcare for Australians in rural, regional, and remote areas. By collecting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians, alongside RFDS aeromedical retrieval data, we identify critical gaps in services that urgently need attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and funders. The RFDS is proactively working towards addressing these pressing challenges and improving access to vital health services.
ResearchThe Flying Doctor Podcast
The Flying Doctor Podcast is a testament to the spirit of mateship and resilience, from the most gripping medical rescues to heartwarming tales of survival and community spirit. The weekly episodes bring to life the voices of real patients, their families, and the incredible RFDS teams who work tirelessly to provide care where it’s needed most.
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Visit the podcastLatest news stories
Celebrating Flying Doctor Day 2025
May 17 is Flying Doctor Day, marking 97 years since the RFDS began operations, providing the finest care to the furthest corner for people in the bush.
#133 The Wild and Wonderful World of One Tree Island
Meet the caretakers - and RFDS medical chest custodians - of Qld's remote One Tree Island.
Our vision for reconciliation is for unity, equity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other Australians
The RFDS’ diverse service area covers 7.69 million square km. We work across hundreds of different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clan groups and nations, with distinctive cultures, beliefs and languages. Engaging and upholding such diverse and rich cultures is a cornerstone of the RFDS mission. We are continuously working on our reconciliation journey, follow along below.
Our Reconciliation JourneyWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and to Elders past and present.
