For Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Board Directors Catrina Felton-Busch and Eddie Fewings, leadership is more than a title; it's a responsibility ingrained in culture, community, and a commitment to shaping a better future for the next generation.
As we mark NAIDOC Week, we reflect on the ongoing commitment of the RFDS (Queensland Section) to building a healthier, more resilient future across the many communities we serve.
In sharing their perspectives, proud First Nations leaders Catrina and Eddie spoke to the role the RFDS plays in strengthening these communities, not just through healthcare, but by fostering wellbeing and supporting generations to come.
“The 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, reminds me of the responsibility we all share to ensure the future is brighter for our young people,” Catrina said.
“As an Aboriginal woman and Board Member of the RFDS (Queensland Section), I see the commitment of the organisation to delivering primary health care and emergency evacuations to remote communities playing a vital role in supporting future generations.
“By providing culturally safe, responsive care, RFDS strengthens our communities and helps lay the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future.
“At the same time, RFDS can help foster Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership within its workforce, creating opportunities for young people to bring their vision and cultural knowledge into the organisation and their communities.
"In this way, RFDS contributes to a legacy of care, empowerment, and strong future leaders.”
Reflecting a shared sense of purpose and cultural responsibility, fellow Board Director Eddie draws on his community and lived experience to offer valuable insights on leadership and supporting future generations.
“The next generation is at the centre of family, community and culture,” Eddie said.
“As an Aboriginal man, a husband, father, uncle, brother and grandfather on the RFDS board, I keep that firmly fixed in all my considerations and contributions.
“I am here because my family, community and culture nurtured, protected and encouraged me.
“This year's NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, reinforces the importance of supporting the next generation and reminds me of my own and our collective responsibility in this regard.
“The RFDS continues to build organisational capacity to understand communities, their people and their history in which we deliver services.
“Our role in partnering with communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services and other services helps to identify health priorities and deliver culturally safe and responsive services to impact on communities' health.
“Advocating for change in other areas that impact health, such as housing, education, and justice, is also an important investment in sustaining an environment where the next generation is ready, willing and able to continue to take on the challenges of self-determination and to celebrate achievements and improvements.”
The RFDS (Queensland Section) remains committed to honouring culture, empowering youth, and continuing to support communities to ensure a stronger future for all.
