Santa Claus won’t be the only red belly in the sky this Christmas, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) delivering presents to remote primary health care clinics out west this week.
The idea was driven by a local motorcycle enthusiast group who delivered donated gifts to the RFDS Charleville Base for the crew to share with rural kids in Jundah, Birdsville, Stonehenge, Yaraka, Thargomindah, Eulo, Yowah and Windorah.
RFDS Flight Nurse Courtney Bylett said all of these communities were impacted by the record-breaking floods earlier this year and were still rebuilding.
“A lot of the communities we will be delivering to this year have been affected by the floods and have lost everything,” Courtney said.
“Some families are still living in caravans, so to take a bit of pressure off mum and dad this year will mean the world to them. These kids are going to be extremely excited to receive anything.”
Throughout the floods, the RFDS played a crucial role in keeping Queenslanders safe and connected to essential healthcare services.
This involved providing primary health care services at airports, hospitals and evacuation centres; offering antenatal care to expectant mothers; and transporting essential hygiene products to isolated families to ensure they received continued care. Now, more than six months on, they’re lifting outback spirits by spreading a little Christmas cheer.
RFDS Nurse Manager Jo Mahony said it’s been a tough year that has left a physical, social and emotional toll on many families.
“RFDS is a crucial service for people living in the remote communities of western Queensland,” Jo said.
“Their generosity for RFDS is limitless, with them offering to help in so many ways – whether that be picking us up from the aircraft to take the team to the clinic or putting out runway lights in an emergency.
“All of this happens without any expectation of acknowledgement.
“This toy appeal is just one way we can give back to these communities.”
The team have already made a special delivery to the RFDS Primary Health Care clinic in Windorah and Yaraka and extends its warmest wishes to everyone in western Queensland for a merry and safe Christmas.
