A Will to save lives
Leaving a gift in your Will ensures the RFDS can continue to support healthier and happier Australians no matter where they live, work or play.
For almost 100 years, the RFDS has had a will to save lives.
The RFDS relies on gift in Wills and donations from the community to meet shortfalls in operational funding and purchase aircraft and vital medical equipment.
Every time someone in need sees or hears our aircraft approaching, your legacy will be with them as part of their life-saving care of the RFDS.
Like no other gift, the gift in your Will, will help keep the Flying Doctor flying, and delivering the finest care throughout remote SA and NT for generations to come.
How to include the RFDS in your Will
If you would like to, and are in the position to, leave a gift in your Will to help the RFDS provide life-saving care in South Australia and the Northern Territory, please refer to the name of the organisation as: Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations ABN 81 108 409 735.
Your support keeps us flying
Every 10 minutes, the Flying Doctor delivers the finest care to someone living, working or travelling in rural and remote South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Every journey we take through the skies begins with someone in need – a child in a remote town, a mother facing a medical emergency, a granfather needing life-saving care.
"The RFDS is a security blanket. You could have something terrible happen, but you know you've got someone there to back you up."
Amy, 23, was rescued by the RFDS after being kicked in the face by a bull 400km from hospital.
Free Wills Fortnight 7 - 22 September 2026
RFDS SA/NT has partnered with Safewill for Free Wills Fortnight, giving you the opportunity to put your plans for the future in place and protect your loved ones – with a legally binding Will, completely free, from 7 - 22 September 2026.
During this period, you can complete a legally binding Will completely free of charge – a simple step that can help protect your loved ones and shape the future of causes you care about.
Frequently asked questions >
We know writing a will can take time and thought, so we’ve answered some common questions to make the process a little easier.
Why should I have a Will?
Having a Will ensures that your estate is distributed to the people that you wish. This may be family, friends or to a charity like the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations.
Who should I tell about my Will?
It is important that you talk to your loved ones about your Will. This will ensure they understand your wishes and reduce the risk of confusion or disputes in the future.
Who will you nominate to look after your affairs?
You will need to nominate an Executor (a legally appointed representative) to manage your affairs. This can be a family member, friend, lawyer or other professional.
How do I include the RFDS in my Will?
If you would like to, and are in the position to, leave a gift in your Will to help the RFDS provide life-saving care in South Australia and the Northern Territory, please refer to the name of the organisation as: Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations ABN 81 108 409 735.
How do I go about making a Will?
We recommend that you seek professional advice from a legal advisor or trustee company when writing your Will. They will be able to give you the best advice on what to include in your Will.
Making a Will doesn't need to be expensive and can be made easier by preparing answers to the following prior to your appointment.
- What are your assets?
- What are your debts?
- Who do you wish to benefit?
- How do you wish to divide your estate?
- Who do you want to appoint as your executor/s?
Types of Wills and sample wording
We recommend you seek advice from a solicitor to ensure that the wording of your Will reflects your exact wishes.
It is important to remember to review your Will regularly, particularly when life circumstances change. There are several ways of leaving a bequest, dependent on what is best for you and your family. Below is some suggested wording for three of the most common ways to include the RFDS in your Will:
Specific gift in Will
A specific gift in Will may be money, property, stocks, shares or insurance. Suggested wording for this type of gift may be:
I give, free of all duties and taxes, the amount of $ or my units/shares in Trust/Ltd, or my real property situated at [insert address], having the title reference [insert title reference] to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations, 1 Tower Road, Adelaide Airport, SA 5950, ABN 81 108 409 735 for its general purposes. The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time being of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations is an absolute discharge to my executor.
Residual gift
A residual gift is where you can nominate to leave part or all of what is left of your estate, after provisions have been made for family and friends. Suggested wording for this type of gift may be:
I give the residue of my estate (or % of the residue of my estate), to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations,1 Tower Road, Adelaide Airport, SA 5950, ABN 81 108 409 735 for its general purposes. The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time being of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations is an absolute discharge to my executor.
Percentage gift in Will
A percentage gift in Will is where you can nominate to leave a specified percentage of your total estate. Suggested wording for this type of gift may be:
I give % of my estate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations, 1 Tower Road, Adelaide Airport, SA 5950, ABN 81 108 409 735 for its general purposes. The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time being of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations is an absolute discharge to my executor.
Printed resources >
Prefer something you can hold in your hands? Explore our downloadable, printable resources for helpful information and guidance.
A legacy that flies further
Like no other gift, the gift in your Will helps ensure we can continue our vital services for generations to come.
"I see the gift in my Will as a way for all I've been blessed with to continue serving the community, even when I am no longer around."
For more than 40 years, Dr Lea Thin Seow dedicated her life to the operating theatre as an anaesthetist across Australia. She's made a lasting decision to leave a gift in her Will to the RFDS.
Write your Will online
The RFDS has partnered with online will-writing platforms Safewill, EveryWill and Willed. From the comfort of your own home, you can write your Will online via any of these platforms.
*We recommend that you seek professional advice from a legal advisor or a trusted company when writing your own Will.
Enquire today >
To learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, fill out the form below or contact:
Belinda Drabsch
Philanthropy Specialist
Phone: (08) 8238 3348
Email: belinda.drabsch@flyingdoctor.net
