This year marks the 30th anniversary of the RFDS Rockhampton Auxiliary, which has raised more than $2 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Rockhampton Base and its delivery of vital services across the region.
One dedicated member, Rose Swadling OAM, has been a part of the Rockhampton Auxiliary committee since its establishment three decades ago.
“Over those 30 years, I've seen tremendous work being done, from all the money we’ve raised and seeing the direct impact it has on our communities,” Rose said.
“Our morning teas bring together many who have lived on the land and felt the impact of the Flying Doctor, whether personally or through someone they love, and they give their support because they know just how life-saving the service can be.
“I know every person who comes along, and when they're not there, I want to know why. If they're not well, is there something we could do? It's important because it's my community.”
Support for the Flying Doctor in the Rockhampton community is undeniable, with rooms filled with over 200 supporters at every RFDS Rockhampton Auxiliary morning tea, which often book out in advance.
“In the early days, we probably had about 40 people attending our morning teas,” Rose said.
“These days, people have to book their spot from one morning tea to the next to make sure they're in, and they do just that.
“It’s wonderful, because everyone in the room knows it’s such a worthy organisation and has seen or experienced the impact of the service, which makes you feel proud to support it.”
These engaging and meaningful ways to support the RFDS wouldn’t be possible without the committed auxiliary members who dedicate their time and energy to fundraising for the essential service.
“Volunteers are the most important and powerful thing that you could ever have,” Rose said.
“Every member of the auxiliary is valued. Every little thing that people do is valued, because it’s not about them, it’s about what they're doing it for, and I think that's what's really important.
“And you know what, it doesn't matter how tired we are on the day of an event, it's all hands-on deck. We all start early, and we don't finish till we finish.”
Rose says the key to keeping the auxiliary alive is by continuing to keep people engaged and providing an experience where they can play to their strengths and not be afraid of change.
“We live in a changing world, and we shouldn’t be afraid to embrace change,” she said.
“We need those young people to come on board and work with them to see how we can be working smarter.
Whether you are 25 or 75, the shared passion to give back to your community through volunteering connects generations.
“It’s not about getting a pat on your back; you believe in what you are doing, and that’s your self-satisfaction,” Rose said.
Rose, who was born and raised in Rockhampton, is a dedicated member of her community, committing her life to supporting others through her career and extensive volunteer work from a young age.
Her contributions include support for various organisations such as the Australian Red Cross, Crime Stoppers Queensland, Rural Fire Service, Leukemia Foundation, Cancer Council, Legacy, RFDS (Queensland Section) and more. Additionally, she has served as a councillor for the Rockhampton City Council for 26 years, where she thrived in community services.
Rose has consistently sought opportunities to support her local community and has passed this passion on to her children, who both serve as first responders with the Rural Fire Service and SES. In a recent call out, one of Rose’s sons was amazed to see the RFDS automatic stretcher system in action as it lifted a heavy male with ease into the aircraft.
“He said, ‘Mum, those people (RFDS) are worth their weight in gold,' and I thought, wow, that’s what you want to hear,” she said.
“I hope my sons never have to use the service themselves, but it’s comforting to know that those services are there for people when needed.”
The RFDS is incredibly grateful for the dedication of volunteers like Rose and the RFDS Rockhampton Auxiliary, whose passion and commitment ensure our service continues to thrive in Rockhampton and beyond.
If you are interested in joining an RFDS Auxiliary, you can find more information on our website here.
