Paula grew up in a compassionate family and learned early on the importance of caring for others. Those values still guide her most important decisions.
Paula has fond memories of a very happy and loving childhood at Ashgrove with two great sisters and amazing parents.
“We had a house at Northcliffe, so we lived in the surf and dad taught us to swim in the Nerang River,” she says.
“I was a keen runner too.”
She admired her parents immensely.
“They were always giving to charities, so we grew up looking out for people in need.”
When Paula was in her 20s, she began a deeply rewarding teaching career in Queensland’s country towns and learnt about the lifesaving work of the RFDS.
Soon after Paula met a fellow teacher Peter, who had direct experience with the RFDS's excellent service while teaching in remote locations of Thargomindah and Cheepie.
Soon after Paula met a fellow teacher Peter, who had direct experience with the RFDS's excellent service while teaching in remote locations of Thargomindah and Cheepie.
The soulmates married and moved to Caboolture, north of Brisbane. There, they welcomed two children, Scott and Katie, and built a wonderful life.
Now retired and in their 70s, Paula and Pete keep busy on the principle of “use it or lose it”, says Paula.
“I do yoga twice a week and pickleball. I go swimming, and I walk every day. I’ve got my health – and you’ve got to be grateful for what you’ve got.”
Paula and Pete are also aware of how fortunate they are to have easy access to healthcare services.
“If I got sick, Pete would have me at the emergency room in seven minutes,” Paula says.
“But outback communities don’t have that luxury.”
She finds inspiration in her previous doctor, who travels to treat patients at distant clinics, and in the close friend she made while teaching in Mount Isa, who worked as a nurse for the RFDS.
“I admire them, and I’m fascinated with planes too, so I would have loved to be on the Flying Doctor crew,” Paula says.
The RFDS was front of mind when Paula and Pete considered how best to make a difference in the world beyond their lifetime. After taking care of their family, they decided to leave a gift in their Will to the RFDS to help save lives for generations to come.
“The Flying Doctor crews are just like intensive care teams – on the ball all the time. And I used to believe that the government funded all of this. Then I realised the Flying Doctor is also depending on people like us to keep showing up in an emergency in years to come.”
As we celebrate Include a Charity Week, we’re reminded that the Flying Doctor began with a gift in Will that helped John Flynn’s vision take flight. Imagine the lasting difference your legacy could make for generations to come. Learn more here.
