Graphic: Ergon Energy Retail and RFDS staff in front of aircraft
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) is paying tribute to Ergon Energy Retail and its customers who have raised more than $17 million for the RFDS over the past 22 years.
RFDS Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said since 2000, Ergon Energy Retail has been paramount in supporting the life-saving work of the Flying Doctor in Queensland.
“From advances in technology and infrastructure, to the evolving healthcare needs of our communities, a lot has changed over the past two decades, but Ergon Energy Retail and its customers have been there throughout,” Ms Staib said.
“Both in the air and on the ground, they’ve helped support the Flying Doctor with the purchase of new aircraft, invest in critical infrastructure, upgrade life-saving medical equipment and deliver essential primary health care services to regional, rural and remote communities.”
Ergon Energy Retail Executive General Manager Ayesha Razzaq said reaching the milestone was only possible thanks to the generosity of our customers and the unyielding drive of Ergon Energy Retail employees to help raise those funds.
“Our employees and customers are passionate in their support for the RFDS and the vital assistance they provide to Queenslanders in need across this vast state of ours,” Ms Razzaq said.
“The donation program is completely facilitated by our wonderful employees in our call centres in Townsville and Rockhampton. When fielding calls to set up new accounts, we always ask our customers whether they would like to donate to the RFDS on their Ergon Energy bill. In many cases it’s a $2 or $5 donation – although some of our customers opt to give much more – and those dollars have all added up to allow the RFDS to provide life-saving services in rural and remote communities across Queensland.”
Ergon Energy Retail has also helped to support vital behind-the-scenes operations of the Flying Doctor. Townsville-based RFDS Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice Sam Bruce said his apprenticeship is thanks to the ongoing partnership.
“I’ve always had a love for aircraft and an immense appreciation for the Flying Doctor. When I was a baby, I suffered a brain bleed and was flown by an RFDS crew from Bundaberg to Brisbane,” Mr Bruce said.
“This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn from world-class engineers who are dedicated to maintaining our aircraft to ensure RFDS crews can continue to provide life-saving care - knowing I’m a part of that is pretty special.”
“We’re extremely thankful for this support and look forward to partnering with Ergon Energy Retail for many years to come, as we continue to provide the finest, world-leading healthcare to Queenslanders – no matter where they live,” Ms Staib added.
