We are honoured to share a beautiful poem written by one of our supporters, Edwina Smith. Her heartfelt words capture the spirit of the Flying Doctor.
This poem is not only a celebration of our past but also a reminder of the ongoing importance of our service in connecting communities across the country.
Read Edwina’s touching tribute below.
'Victory Over Distance'
A poem by Edwina Smith
A wild, rugged land
With ancient cliffs and rocks
Endless blue skies
Finches fly in flocks
Where desert peas bloom
Their flowers red and black
Rest upon dry earth
Way off the beaten track
Generous in spirit
Resilient and strong
Loving where they live
Though distances are long
Working in The Outback
On sheep or cattle station
Warmth and witty humour
The heartbeat of our nation!
Yet so far away from town
And all we take for granted
When injury or illness strike
The bush is less enchanted
In past days, a choice between
To travel or to wait
Wet the soul with salty tears
If help came way too late
Sparked by a letter
Seeing those in need
A kind and caring Reverend
Prepared to plant the seed
Hope spread its wings
Time to curb the cost
For people in The Outback
Too many lives were lost
Then it all began
Interest surely grew
Minds came together
Sharing all they knew
Flynn’s vision gathered pace
Fuelled by those who care
‘Victory’ over distance flew
A patient in the air!
Can The Bush be heard
In situations dire?
Precious time never gained
By word along the wire
A clever plan soon began
To save the darkest hour
Doctor’s voice, a faster choice
With Traeger’s Peddle Power!
The Service grew over time
To what it is today
If Flynn could share a word
I wonder what he’d say
“Helping people in The Bush
Exactly as we should.”
Maybe with a happy grin
“I think it’s pretty good.”
See the magic splendour
Of sunset and sunrise
The stillness of night
Dark twinkling skies
It’s much safer now
Living way Outback
Flying Doctor’s on the way!
Way off the beaten track
