The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) and Elders announce the winners of the 2025 Outback Explorer Competition.
The Noon Family have been named the winner, and awarded $10,000, courtesy of Elders. While the video was captured by Jessica, a videographer and mother of two, the true star is her son, Fraser.
This year’s competition drew a wide range of entries, each celebrating the stories and resilience of regional Queenslanders. However, it was Fraser’s “day in the life” that captured the judges’ hearts.
Jessica lives with her husband Flynn, Fraser and their other son, Billy, on Mulga Belt, a 4th generation property about 60km south of Mitchell in Western Queensland. After moving there five years ago, Jessica says there’s no place they’d rather be.
“It’s home. There’s a sense of belonging here you can’t find anywhere else,” said Flynn.
“Life in the bush is a privilege, but it also comes with challenges, especially being so far from emergency services.
“This competition was a chance to show both the beauty of our lifestyle and the importance of having RFDS to bridge that gap.”
The entry, Fraser’s Day in the Bush, captures rural life through the eyes of her energetic toddler, exploring the paddocks, running around livestock and enjoying time with family.
But behind the joy and freedom of the video lies a deeply personal story.
Earlier this year, just two weeks after they welcomed their second son, Billy, 19-month-old Fraser had a life-threatening accident.
“Our internet wouldn’t connect calls, so we rushed him to Mitchell Hospital, singing nursery rhymes the whole way to keep him conscious,” Jessica said.
“He needed blood urgently, but it wasn’t available locally.
“The RFDS arrived and were able to stabilise him and he was flown to Brisbane for life-saving surgery.”
Fraser spent three months in hospital, but today, he’s thriving.
“Fraser’s recovery has been nothing short of a miracle.” Flynn said.
“His injuries to his left arm were severe, and initially, we were told his function would likely be very limited.
“Thanks to the expert care he received at Queensland Children’s Hospital, led by Dr Yun Phua and the plastics team, Fraser not only survived life-saving surgery but also underwent complex reconstruction aimed at giving him the best chance for meaningful use of his arm.
“Alongside this, ongoing occupational therapy and physiotherapy in both Brisbane and Roma have supported his strength, mobility, and confidence.
“Today, he is already showing movement and progress that doctors did not expect for years. Back at home in the bush, he is thriving, resilient, strong, and truly remarkable.”
For the Noons, Fraser’s story highlights just how vital the RFDS is to families living in remote areas.
“For parents especially, knowing the RFDS is there brings comfort in the hardest moments,” Jessica said.
“They’re absolutely essential to rural life.”
When the family received the call that they had won the competition, Jessica said it was both surreal and humbling.”
“It felt surreal hearing the news. We truly believe this is Fraser’s win,” Flynn said.
“It’s something good to come out of such a difficult year.
“We’ll be investing the money into Fraser’s future to make sure we can meet any needs he may have along the way.
“Thank you too, to Elders, for supporting the RFDS. We use Elders for insurance and agricultural products. They’re a backbone to supporting rural communities and businesses.”
Winning the Outback Explorer Competition isn’t about recognition for the Noon family, it’s about telling their story, raising awareness for rural life, and highlighting the life-saving work of the RFDS. And for young Fraser, it’s a celebration of resilience, joy and a future filled with possibilities.
Fraser's flight was tasked and coordinated by Retrieval Services Queensland.
Other Outback Explorer Competition winners
The People's Choice winners
These entrants won $1,000 for receiving the most votes during the competition period.
- Joy Vo – My little life in Birdsville
- Sophie Mullins – Something in the orange
- Courtney McMillan – Just another day in the Channels
The lucky door prize winner will receive a Premium Adventurer Rescue Swag and Bush Journal prize pack.
- Jem Hawker - Life in Western QLD
All competition entries can be viewed on the Outback Explorer Competition website. Congratulations!
