This week the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) hosted its annual International Women’s Day Reception in Brisbane, reaffirming its commitment to supporting women across the state.
Aligned with the UN Women Australia theme ‘Balance the Scales’, the event celebrated the social, economic and cultural achievements of women, particularly those in healthcare, while highlighting the importance of challenging the barriers and stereotypes that can limit their opportunities.
The RFDS welcomed our Patron, the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and RFDS Chair Georgie Somerset AM.
“This year’s theme is one that resonates closely with the work of the RFDS,” Georgie said.
“Many women living in regional, rural and remote communities navigate challenges that some of us never have to consider — long distances, limited local services, and the pressure of balancing care for themselves with care for family and community.
“These realities shape not just access to healthcare, but the opportunities that flow from being healthy, supported and heard.
“For RFDS, balancing the scales means working to ensure that a woman’s postcode, circumstance or background never limits her access to high quality healthcare.”
Throughout the evening, guests heard from an inspiring panel of speakers including long-term RFDS supporter and Director of the Dalara Foundation Lyn Davies – a Foundation that has generously funded midwifery scholarships at the RFDS since 2019.
These scholarships support registered nurses who have a background in critical care to gain the additional midwifery qualification required to become a RFDS Flight Nurse.
Joining Lyn on the panel were RFDS Flight Nurse (Midwifery) Emily Slattery from the Mount Isa Base and RFDS Flight Nurse (Midwifery) Grace Holloway from the Brisbane Base. Both shared reflections on their careers in healthcare, and the impact the Dalara Foundation’s support had on their professional journeys.
“We know that when women are supported, whether as patients, professionals or community leaders, the benefits reach far beyond the individual,” Georgie said.
“Stronger opportunities for women help strengthen systems, workplaces and entire communities.
“International Women’s Day is a moment to honour progress, acknowledge ongoing challenges and continue opening doors to opportunity. It’s also a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together with purpose.”
This International Women's Day, the Flying Doctor celebrates the strength and resilience of women across rural and remote Queensland while reaffirming its commitment to healthcare equity in the bush.
