A shared commitment to keeping rural Tasmanians healthy and connected has brought together two organisations with deep roots in regional communities.
The Agricultural Contractors of Tasmania Inc. (ACTI) has donated $2,000 to Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania through the R W (Bert) Campbell Memorial Award, helping support essential healthcare services for people living and working across rural Tasmania.
The contribution reflects ACTI's longstanding commitment to the wellbeing of farming communities and honours the legacy of former Latrobe Mayor and ACTI Life Member Bert Campbell, a passionate advocate for Tasmania's agricultural industry and the opportunities it creates for young people.
The memorial award celebrates Bert Campbell's belief that agriculture offers rewarding and meaningful career pathways while continuing to support causes that strengthen regional communities.
RFDS Tasmania CEO Nicole Henty said the donation would help ensure rural people can access the care they need, regardless of where they live.
"We know that good health is essential to thriving rural communities. This generous donation will help us continue delivering healthcare services that support people to stay healthy, active and connected to the communities they call home," Ms Henty said.
ACTI has represented Tasmania's agricultural contractors for generations, promoting professionalism, high standards of service and strong ethical practices across the sector. Its connection to rural communities makes supporting health outcomes a natural fit.
For ACTI Chairman Peter Campbell, the partnership with the Flying Doctor is deeply personal.
In 2025, Peter relied on RFDS services after suffering a heart attack that resulted in open-heart surgery. What began as a sore shoulder quickly became a serious medical emergency.
"I thought I'd slept wrong when I woke up with a sore shoulder. Then I had some discomfort in the centre of my chest. But I didn't feel sick at all."
Peter Campbell, ACTI Chair"When they took my blood pressure, it was 200 over something and the doctor was telling me, 'don't drive the car, don't do this, don't do that.'"
Twelve months later, Peter has returned to working in the fields, while continuing regular trips to Launceston for cardiac rehabilitation.
His experience is far from unique. Several ACTI members and their family members have also accessed Flying Doctor healthcare services, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for people living and working beyond major population centres.
Peter said ACTI hoped the donation would help ensure farming families could continue receiving healthcare close to home.
The funding will support RFDS Tasmania's primary healthcare programs, including dental outreach services, youth and adult mental health support, chronic disease management and physical health programs designed to improve wellbeing and help people manage ongoing health conditions.
Services such as cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease support can play a crucial role in helping people recover from major health events, maintain their independence and continue contributing to their communities.
Ms Henty said community support remained vital to helping the Flying Doctor meet growing demand for services across rural Tasmania.
"While government funding plays an important role in delivering healthcare services, donations like this allow us to go further and respond to the unique needs of rural communities," she said.
"The generosity of organisations like ACTI helps us invest in equipment, technology, training and innovative healthcare programs that make a real difference in people's lives."
RFDS Tasmania provides free healthcare services in rural and remote communities across the state, often reaching areas where access to dentists, physiotherapists and counsellors is limited or unavailable.
"It's a wonderful example of rural communities supporting one another and helping ensure that people can access quality healthcare when and where they need it most," Ms Henty said.
"The ACTI is helping strengthen the health and wellbeing of Tasmania's farming communities and ensuring that vital healthcare services remain accessible for rural families now and into the future.”
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