For the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS), National Reconciliation Week (NRW) resonates deeply with every aspect of the Service.
Whether through emergency aeromedical retrievals, primary health care, mental health, oral health, or community‑led wellbeing initiatives, the organisation works closely with rural and remote communities to build a healthier and more connected future.
With almost half of all RFDS patients identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Flying Doctor remains committed to deepening relationships, strengthening cultural understanding and supporting enduring connections to Country.
This year’s NRW theme, ‘All In’, reinforces that reconciliation is a responsibility shared by all Australians. Across Queensland, the RFDS continues to demonstrate what being ‘All In’ looks like through a range of community‑led initiatives, including the programs and partnerships highlighted below.
Partnership boosts mental health across the Gulf
A partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) and the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) strengthened mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The collaboration began during the early rollout of the Flood Recovery Program (FRP), when CLCAC approached the RFDS to help upskill Gulf-based Rangers in Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid.
Drawing on the trust and recognition of the RFDS, the relationship quickly grew into a culturally grounded, community‑led training initiative.
Rather than delivering a one‑off workshop, RFDS clinicians worked alongside CLCAC to create a program centred on relationship‑building, two‑way learning and deep respect for cultural knowledge. This approach helped establish meaningful familiarity and recognition for RFDS clinicians across Doomadgee, Burketown, Normanton and surrounding communities.
Training participants came from across the region, including Doomadgee, Burketown, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Dajarra, Boulia and Normanton. Many held strong family ties or were recognised Elders, significantly expanding RFDS clinicians’ understanding of community and strengthened local mental health support pathways.
The partnership highlights how early, trust‑based engagement can create outcomes that extend well beyond training delivery. Through collaboration with CLCAC, RFDS clinicians strengthened community relationships, enhanced cultural and systems knowledge, improved disaster preparedness and helped embed mental health capability within local leadership—supporting sustainable, community‑led wellbeing across the Gulf.
Standing with Lockhart River after ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle
When ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed the coasts of Far North Queensland in March, RFDS Senior Mental Health Clinician Bel Lindel stayed in Lockhart River to support the Community Recovery Hub
Having spent more than a year delivering essential mental health services from the clinic, Bel had formed strong relationships with the community. By listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps to build stronger relationships, Bel became a vital link between visiting agencies and the local community.
The trust Bel had embedded in her clients, strengthened the recovery effort and ensured culturally sensitive support was available when it mattered most. Her presence reflected the RFDS commitment to walking alongside communities through both everyday challenges and extraordinary weather events like this.
RFDS launches Zumba classes
The Flying Doctor has expanded its commitment to wellbeing in Far North Queensland by launching free Zumba classes in Lockhart River. Each week the RFDS mental health team gather with locals at the community hall for a fun-filled afternoon of music, movement and meaningful connection.
The initiative began as a simple fitness activity which quickly grew into a safe space for people to focus on their health and wellbeing. Each session promotes how a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Due to the Flying Doctor’s continuous presence in the community, the initiative has quickly become a natural gateway for starting conversations about mental health, stress management, and the importance of looking after yourself.
This initiative is just one example of how small community-led activities create stronger connections and support holistic wellbeing across remote communities.
Working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities is a core part of our service delivery, and we are committed to ensuring our services actively and purposefully contribute to Closing the Gap by improving both health outcomes and access to culturally appropriate health services for all.
Aunty Joyce Crombie’s artwork becomes a centrepiece for wellbeing
In Longreach, a powerful new artwork by respected Aboriginal Elder and artist Aunty Joyce Crombie was donated to the RFDS Longreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, serving as a spiritual symbol of connection, healing, and community strength in the outback.
Aunty Joyce is a proud Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi woman from Birdsville who has long used her art to share emotional, cultural and spiritual narratives. Her latest piece, Mental Spiritual Awakening, captures the journey of mental illness and recovery, symbolising the strength found in community, culture and services like the RFDS.
The donation holds special significance, as Aunty Joyce has worked closely with RFDS teams in Mount Isa and Charleville for many years, drawing strength from those relationships and giving back through her art.
To celebrate this gift, the RFDS repurposed this artwork into a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle for frontline staff to complete at each of the Flying Doctor’s nine bases across Queensland. By inviting staff to piece together this puzzle, it helped raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing and highlight our special connection with the communities we serve.
Aunty Joyce’s artwork now remains on permanent display at the RFDS Longreach Base.
