What began as an adventurous career move has become a life-changing journey for Justine, one filled with challenges, opportunities, lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences that have shaped both the person and nurse she is today.
After dreaming of becoming a nurse from the age of five, Justine moved from the United Kingdom to Rockhampton in 2001 to join the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) as a Flight Nurse. She never imagined the next 25 years would become the most rewarding of her life.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside a dedicated, skilled, and caring team who go above and beyond every day,” Justine said.
As an organisation born from innovation, the RFDS has changed significantly since Justine first started, with each advancement strengthening its capability and improving care for the communities it serves.
“During my time with RFDS, I have witnessed four cabin reconfigurations and the introduction of five different aircraft types,” she said.
“These innovations have reduced the manual workload for clinicians, improved patient comfort, and increased our operational capability through faster speeds, higher cruising altitudes, and greater range.”
One of the most significant developments has been the establishment of the Operations Control Centre (OCC), created to better support crews, optimise operational efficiency across the fleet and workforce, and enhance the safety and quality of care delivered across Queensland.
“It reflects our understanding that delivering the best possible care requires not only skilled frontline but also strong systems and dedicated teams working behind the scenes to support every mission,” she said.
For the past 20 years, Justine has served as Nurse Manager at the Brisbane Base, leading with compassion, integrity and a deep commitment to supporting her team.
“It has been an honour to support and learn from such an extraordinary team,” she said.
“Their professionalism, resilience and dedication to delivering the very best care, regardless of the circumstances, continue to inspire me.
“The aircraft may have changed, our capabilities may have grown, and our systems may have become more sophisticated, but the heart of RFDS remains the same: exceptional people working together to care for those who need us most.”
Throughout her Flight Nurse career, Justine has cared for countless patients, often in circumstances where the support provided is critical to their survival. One flight in particular remains particularly memorable.
“We were tasked to retrieve a critically unwell patient suffering a heart attack who required urgent life-saving treatment,” she said.
“As we entered the circuit at Hervey Bay, a dramatic bolt of lightning struck the runway ahead of us. The pilot made the decision to divert to our alternate destination, and I arranged for the patient to be transported there,” she said.
“When we arrived, I realised our patient was a nurse from Hervey Bay Hospital, someone I had met several times while handing over patients at the hospital or on the tarmac.
“As she boarded the aircraft, she looked at me and said, ‘Oh, I’m glad it’s you.’ As we navigated the storms back to Brisbane, she gripped my hand tightly and repeatedly thanked us for being there in her hour of need.
“To care for a fellow nurse, someone who had spent her career caring for others, was both humbling and deeply rewarding.”
For Justine, the RFDS has been far more than a workplace.
“One of the greatest gifts the RFDS has given me was introducing me to my husband, James, a RFDS Pilot,” she said.
“The past 15 years have been even richer and more meaningful because I have been able to share them with him.”
“Together, we have experienced the unique rewards and challenges of serving rural and remote communities, and our shared connection to the RFDS has made these years especially fulfilling.”
Reflecting on her 25-year milestone, Justine is clear about the profound impact the RFDS has had on her life.
“I am filled with gratitude for the lives we have touched, the communities we have served, and the colleagues who have made this journey so meaningful,” she said.
“I look forward to contributing to this next chapter and working alongside our exceptional teams to ensure that Queenslanders continue to receive the expert, compassionate care they deserve, wherever they live and whenever they need us.”
