In a touching tribute to a man whose life has been defined by service, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania has renamed its education simulator the "Lindsay Millar OAM", celebrating Lindsay’s remarkable 60 years of dedication to the organisation and his enduring impact on Tasmanian healthcare.
The newly re-covered and rebranded simulator was unveiled at a special morning tea at Hangar 85, Launceston Airport, on Tuesday, 13th May. It now stands not only as an educational tool but as a symbol of Lindsay’s legacy. A legacy built on vision, compassion, and a deep love for his community.
Lindsay’s story with RFDS Tasmania began at its very foundation. Over the years, he has served as a president, national and local board member, and volunteer, always bringing a unique blend of leadership and humility. Known for his encyclopaedic memory of aircraft registration numbers—often better than people’s names—Lindsay’s passion for aviation and healthcare has never wavered.
Reflecting on his early days with the national RFDS board, Lindsay recalls with a chuckle,
“When I started to attend the RFDS national conferences as a part of the national board, I was known as ‘that apple-growing bloke from Tasmania’.”
It’s a title he wore proudly, representing not just his background but the spirit of Tasmanian resilience. Lindsay was passionate about the RFDS since its establishment in Tasmania.
“I am very fortunate to be involved with the RFDS. From the time I can remember, living at Hillwood, we had planes flying up and down doing emergency training. I learned to fly with the [Tasmanian] Aero Club who were doing the aeromedical retrievals…that’s where the interest started.”
Today, the "Lindsay Millar OAM" simulator plays a key role in RFDS Tasmania’s education programs, offering students and community members an immersive glimpse into the life-saving work of the RFDS across Australia. Lindsay sees it as a bridge between generations:
“The SIM is an education tool. As the younger generations came through, there was less knowledge in urban areas about what the RFDS means to Australia.”
RFDS Tasmania CEO Nicole Henty echoed this sentiment, saying:
“Lindsay’s contributions to our organisation are immeasurable. Renaming the SIM in his honour is our way of celebrating his incredible impact and ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.”
Nicole HentyAs the simulator travels across Tasmania, it will carry with it not just medical knowledge, but the story of a man who helped make it all possible. Lindsay Millar’s name will now be etched into the hearts of those who learn from it, just as his work has been etched into the history of RFDS Tasmania.
