Oceans to Outback 2023

$3 million in miles: Meet our inspiring 'Oceans to Outback' participants

Date published

20 Nov 2023

In October, the Flying Doctor once again challenged people across the country to walk, run or ride and raise funds for the service.

Together over the month-long adventure:

  • we had more than 16,000 people across Australia participate;
  • we logged more than 1 million kilometres of activity; and
  • we raised more than $3.5 million.

Meet the participants

Oceans to Outback - Nathan Mitchell

Nathan Mitchell
Alice Springs, NT

“My mum was flown from Alice Springs to Adelaide at 25 weeks pregnant with me. I was born at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital – 770 grams at 28 weeks. The only means of being transported was by the RFDS – if it wasn’t for this great organisation, I would not be with us today. This is just one of the many reasons I chose to participate in the fundraiser.”

Oceans to Outback - Grace King

Grace King
Eyre Peninsula, SA

“In 2011, at just 15 years old, a motor vehicle accident left me with a broken neck, a traumatic brain injury, extreme blood loss, and a severely shattered left arm. Without the RFDS, I might have lost my arm altogether or might not even be here today. I’ll forever be indebted to them.”

Oceans to Outback - Stacey Natar

Stacey Natar
Adelaide, SA

“Our little Reija celebrated her 1st birthday last month – a moment we would never have experienced if it had not been for access to RFDS. The skills, care and dedication by onboard medical staff kept her alive long enough to receive emergency life-saving heart surgery at 23 days. We can only hope our efforts and funds raised can help in any way possible to save another teeny newborn just like our gorgeous Reija.”

Oceans to Outback - Wardle Co

Wardle Co. Real Estate
Yorke Peninsula, SA

“For us, supporting this essential service is not just about philanthropy; it’s personal. One of our own valued team members has relied on the Flying Doctor not once, but twice, for life-saving treatment. Their experiences are a powerful testament to the life-changing impact this service has on individuals and their families.”