RFDS Ambassador Program
We partner with a range of people and organisations, who have a genuine affinity with the Flying Doctor and are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
For almost 100 years, the RFDS has held an enduring partnership with the people of Queensland. This special partnership was born from struggle, mutual respect and trust. Without the ongoing support of Queensland communities, we would not be able to provide the finest aeromedical and primary health care to the furthest corners of the state.
Our purpose remains as critical now as it was in 1928 — a purpose that requires a full and devoted community of staff and supporters, connected by a shared responsibility to improve health access to regional, rural and remote Queenslanders.
The RFDS Ambassador Program celebrates and strengthens this partnership and our commitment to the communities we serve. This program allows individuals and organisations who share our passion to recognise and champion our existing supporters, while motivating and inspiring others to join us on our mission.
Bound by a shared purpose, each Ambassador has committed to share their time, expertise and public profile to help promote the RFDS (Queensland Section) and the work we do to connect communities to the finest healthcare services.
Meet our Ambassadors
Prudence Barwick
With over 20 years’ experience in the Australian agriculture industry, Prudence has travelled throughout Queensland and has a great appreciation for families who live and work in regional, rural and remote areas.
Having had her own family use the RFDS, she has always held the Flying Doctor close to her heart and is very passionate about advocating for the organisation.
Ian and Jane Campbell
Ian and Jane Campbell have had a long-shared passion for aviation and sustainable agriculture. As Manana Pastoral, they operate properties in St George, Goondiwindi and New South Wales.
Both obtained their pilot's licence in 2000 after learning to fly for their honeymoon. To support the RFDS, Ian flew in the 2022 Outback Air Race and raised more than $75,000.
Sandy Gillies
Sandy Gillies, a proud Gunggari woman, is currently the CEO of Western Queensland Primary Health Network.
Sandy is passionate about improving health outcomes for Western Queenslanders, with extensive experience working in the healthcare industry throughout rural and remote Queensland.
Sam Hughes
Sam Hughes (The Travelling Jackaroo) is travelling around Australia in a 1957 Chamberlain 9G tractor to raise funds for the RFDS (Queensland Section).
Sam has decked out a bright orange tractor called ‘Slim' and hitched up a trailer with the body of a small RFDS aircraft replica on top.
Emma Jackson
Emma lives on a cattle station in the Cape York peninsula, and as such is very familiar with the RFDS. After saving her friend’s life on the station, she was crowned the 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero and was awarded a grant to support her mental health initiatives in Cape York. This ignited the Horse Wisdom Program which she runs at the station while raising four children and volunteering for her community.
Tanya O’Shea
Tanya is a business and community leader, with more than two decades of experience working in the not-for-profit sector at an executive level. As the Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, Tanya has developed programs across the Wide Bay- Burnett region tailored to respond to service gaps. Tanya is focused on improving outcomes for her local community and is strongly committed to mental health initiatives.
Russell Postle
Russell Postle is a member of the RFDS (Queensland Section) Board, and was Chair from 2019 until 2023.
He is also Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee and was a partner at BDO with experience providing audit, business advisory and specialist taxation consulting services to a range of clients.
Steve Price OAM
Steve, better known as ‘Pricey’, was the breakfast radio host of Townsville Triple M for 32 years. In recognition of his service to the community through is radio career, he was awarded the Medal of The Order of Australia (OAM) in 2018.
Steve has passionately supported the RFDS through a variety of fundraising events in North Queensland as an event MC and renowned radio host.
The Hon. Bruce Scott AM
The Hon. Bruce Scott joined the Board as a Casual Director in 2016 after an extensive parliamentary career.
Bruce was elected to the House of Representatives as the Federal Member for Maranoa in from 1990 until 2016 and during this time held many ministerial positions.
Wudarabin Snider
Wudarabin Snider is an Aboriginal artist, who has previously created artwork depicting the values of the RFDS (Queensland Section).
Her artwork titled "Lores" shares the story of the Flying Doctor's values. Wudarabin is currently studying at James Cook University to become an art teacher.
Georgie Somerset AM
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chair, Georgie Somerset, is a beef producer and rural leader with experience in agribusiness, rural tourism, and regional development.
Her work involves identifying and advocating opportunities, resolving issues, and creating linkages and networks across rural sectors.
Emeritus Professor Robert Stable AM
Emeritus Professor Stable joined the Board in March 2012 and is currently a member of the Health Advisory Committee.
His former roles include Vice-Chancellor and President of Bond University, Director-General of Queensland Health, General Practitioner and Flying Doctor.
Don and Lyn Rowlands
Don and Lyn are from Birdsville and are passionate about preserving the history of the Simpson Desert and the Wangkangurru people. Don is a well-known Ranger who is in charge of the Simpson Desert Munga-Thirri National Park and an Elder of the Wangkangurru people while Lyn runs the Karrawa Wirinya Coffee shop in town.
Kylee Tindale-Smith
Born and bred in Charleville, Kylee Tindale-Smith owns and operates e-commerce business Gidgee Smith Bags and Gidgee's Bush Camp.
A long-time supporter of the Flying Doctor, Kylee uses her platform to promote important conversations on rural mental health and wellness.
Tony “TONKA” Toholke
Tony “TONKA” Toholke is a passionate member of the Mount Isa Community and a proud supporter of the RFDS (Queensland Section), committed to championing men’s mental health.
TONKA was named the 2022 North Queensland Volunteer of the Year and 2023 Spirit of Mount Isa.
Dan Walker
Dan Walker (Outback Dan) was born and bred in Longreach. He owns and manages an Agri-Tourism business that brings city folk to the bush. Dan has seen firsthand how vital the RFDS service is in providing emergency response and health care to remote communities.
Dan is humbled and honoured to be an RFDS Ambassador to help raise awareness about the Flying Doctor to ensure the spirit of care and support is echoed across Australian skies.
Dalene Wray AM
Dalene grew up in Birdsville, a small outback town in Western Queensland and is the Managing Director of OBE Organic.
She started her career as a radiographer and has spent half of her working career working and studying overseas. Dalene is passionate about improving the sustainability of Australian agriculture.
Who will be our next RFDS Ambassador?
We partner with a range of people and organisations, who have a genuine affinity with the Flying Doctor and are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
If you, or someone you know, is passionate about lighting the way for the Flying Doctor then please complete the expression of interest form below.
Interested in joining our community of ambassadors?
To find out more about becoming a RFDS ambassador, complete our Expression of Interest form below.
You can also contact our Ambassador Program Team via ambassadors@rfdsqld.com.au.