Australia is a big place -- 7.69 million square kilometres  -- and with a relatively small population of 25 million people. Two-thirds of our population live around the regional coastlines and the remaining live across rural and remote areas -- sometimes more than an 8-hour drive to the closest township. Access to health services can be a problem.

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people have downloaded The Flying Doctor Podcast. Find out what the buzz is about!

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Listen to the award-winning Flying Doctor podcast, with real stories of real patients and RFDS staff on our podcast below. Click anywhere on the below map to listen. 

Note: The Flying Doctor Podcast was announced a finalist in the 2022 Australian Podcast Awards, in two categories (Best Interview and Best Branded podcast)

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Latest news stories

NRW Teaser Image

National Reconciliation Week 2023

27 May 2023

NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.

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RFDS patient Robert Crilly

When ritual meets rescue: Robert's story

27 May 2023

During a cultural ceremony in outback South Australia, Robert was struck by a sudden illness, sparking deep concern among family and friends. In need of urgent medical help, he was hundreds of kilometres from the nearest major hospital.

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Mental health at Indigenous community
nations the RFDS serve

Services taken for granted in the city are routinely just not possible outside metro areas, and this creates real hardship for the families and communities living in the bush. 

We at the RFDS work to reduce the disparity in health service access. We bring emergency medical and primary health services to those areas that don't have access. We make it possible for people to live, work and travel across this large continent.

Graphic: Acknowledgement Strip

We 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.