On 17 May 1928, a single-engine bi-plane took off from Cloncurry in Outback Queensland, carrying a pilot and a doctor on a mission that would go on to define Australia medical delivery. That flight, led by Reverend John Flynn’s vision to bring medical help to the furthest corners of the country, became the beginning of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Ninety-seven years later, National Flying Doctor Day is a moment to reflect on just how far this service has come and to thank the thousands of Australians who have made it possible.
While the RFDS remains known for its emergency retrievals by air, the service has grown into one of the most vital primary healthcare providers in regional and remote Australia. Today, the Flying Doctor delivers over 380,000 patient contacts each year, providing everything from GP and nursing clinics to dental care, mental health support, chronic disease management, and medical chest services.
These health programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of those living and travelling in outback communities. The Flying Doctor now touches lives well beyond emergency callout.
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At the heart of this impact are the people who make the RFDS tick. Doctors, nurses, pilots, engineers, researchers, and a wide range of support staff work tirelessly and often in extreme conditions, to ensure that no Australian is too far away to receive care.
It is also thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters that the RFDS has grown and evolved over time. Every contribution plays a part in keeping the Flying Doctor FLYING!
Heading Towards the Centenary
As the RFDS celebrates 97 years of service, the 100 year anniversary in 2028 is just around the corner. Plans are already underway to celebrate the centenary; a chance to honour the legacy of those current and past who have carried John Flynn’s vision forward.
Thank You
National Flying Doctor Day is a time to say thank you to the RFDS staff who go above and beyond, and to the many people worldwide who support this mission in big and small ways. unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to healthcare, no matter where they live.
