News

Dr Sophie Ootes pictured next to RFDS aircraft

From Ballarat to the bush: How Dr Sophie Ootes found her calling in rural health

24 Nov 2025

When Dr Sophie Ootes received the RACGP South Australian GP in Training of the Year Award, she wasn’t just accepting a personal accolade – she was representing a voice for rural and remote communities across the state.

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17 May 2020

RFDS Celebrates 92 Years

92 years ago today, the 17th of May, the first successful patient flight of the Flying Doctor took off. In a world where the pace of change is ever increasing, an opportunity to celebrate the longevity of such a significant, national organisation is welcome.

14 May 2020

Businesses’ generosity alleviating PPE pressure

RFDS Victoria would like to acknowledge the generosity of global clothing brand UNIQLO and boutique distillery Husk Distillers for their generous donations of protective product to support the Flying Doctor’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

14 May 2020

Our sky-high message of thanks

To mark the International Year of the Nurse & Midwife, RFDS Central Operations has taken its appreciation for its nurses sky-high.

12 May 2020

Landmarks across Perth city to light up for Flying Doctor Day

Landmarks across Perth city will light up in the iconic red and blue colors of the Flying Doctor to celebrate 92 years of our life-saving service across Australia.

PC-24 and ambulance
12 May 2020

To all Nurses & Midwives

An open letter from RFDS Central Operations Chairman Peter de Cure and Chief Executive Tony Vaughan ASM for International Year of the Nurse & Midwife.

11 May 2020

Meet Our Nurses: Anne Alexander

As a Remote Area Nurse, Anne Alexander embraces the local community spirit as part of her day-to-day job.

Anne Alexander
11 May 2020

Meet Nurse Niamh

From the green hills of Ireland to the ochre heart of the Australian Outback - Niamh Gallagher's career as a Mental Health Clinician has taken her many places.

Niamh Gallagher
11 May 2020

A night in Hollywood

Movie buffs from Sydney to Switzerland took on the Flying Doctor’s inaugural online quiz fundraiser this month.

11 May 2020

Five minutes with a Pilot Instructor

Exactly what is involved in taking to the skies for the Flying Doctor? We speak with our Head of Training & Checking, Matthew Cosier, to find out what he looks for in a successful RFDS pilot.

11 May 2020

Meet Our Nurses: David Carpenter

From the wintry Apple Isle and Central Australia’s ochre heart – David Carpenter’s RFDS career was inspired after a nursing stint in the remote communities of the APY Lands.

11 May 2020

RFDS Receives Fuel Expense Relief from Australian Government

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been granted a number of fuel rebates from the Australian Government’s Australia Airline Financial Relief Package (AAFRP), totalling more than $500,000.

11 May 2020

Meet Broome base flight nurse Fiona Yard

In recognition of International Nurses Day (May 12), we caught up with Broome base flight nurse Fiona Yard who is no stranger to the demands of remote nursing, especially as we continue to work through the pandemic and beyond.

10 May 2020

Generations of care

While many Australians have had a personal Flying Doctor encounter, Amber Driver concedes she has a few more stories than most.

09 May 2020

Banishing 'the blues' in the bush

Winter is on the doorstep and life has taken a few unpredictable turns of late. A positive mindset is key to getting through tough times, but how is it that some people can maintain that crucial forward-thinking approach every day?

08 May 2020

How well do you know the RFDS?

To celebrate the Flying Doctor's birthday this month, try your hand at the Flying Doctor crossword which features clues marking our rich heritage and exciting present-day operations.