Why one Tasmanian keeps showing up for rural communities
For almost two decades, Tasmanian and retired health professional, Tricia, has been standing behind the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania.
Through donations, fundraising and more recently volunteering, her support has helped ensure people living, working and travelling in rural and remote communities can access the healthcare they need, when they need it most.
And for the past five years, Tricia has taken that commitment one step further by participating in the national RFDS Oceans to Outback challenge.
Born and bred in Tasmania, Tricia has always loved exploring beyond the familiar.
She’s travelled throughout mainland Australia and overseas, and spending countless holidays on Flinders Island.
"My donations to RFDS were inspired by travelling to rural and remote areas," she said. "They're wonderful places to visit, but they're also a long way from most services."
While Tricia has never needed to call on the Flying Doctor, the stories she’s heard reinforced just how important the service is.
"I've heard enough tales from people on Flinders Island to know how valuable RFDS is to the community and there is always the remote possibility that one day I might need the Flying Doctor myself.”
Tricia Sharples, milestone donor and 5-year Oceans to Outback participant
Through her regular giving, Tricia has helped support the broad range of services delivered by RFDS Tasmania, including the preventative health programs and community health initiatives that improve so many lives across the state.
This year, she and her partner also volunteered at the RFDS exhibit during Agfest, where they met community members from all over Tasmania and gained a deeper appreciation for the organisation's expanding health programs.
"That volunteering experience highlighted the breadth of RFDS services. Many people shared their own experiences of needing RFDS Tasmania at some point in their lives,” Tricia said.
Yet it is the Oceans to Outback challenge that has become a favourite annual tradition.
Tricia first signed up when she realised her exercise routine needed a boost in her training ahead of the Point to Pinnacle half-marathon walk one November.
The challenge’s timing was perfect, allowing her to build fitness throughout October while fundraising for a cause she believed in.
"I caught the Oceans to Outback bug," she said.
"The challenge fitted perfectly with my training, and I loved that it encourages different types of exercise. It means people can participate in whatever suits them best."
This year participants are encouraged to walk, run or ride the following distances:
- Walk or run 42km – 1km for every 1,000 Australians who have difficulty accessing basic healthcare
- Walk or run 87km – 1km for every Flying Doctor aircraft across Australia
- Walk or run 98km – 1km for every year the RFDS has provided life-saving care
- Ride 247km – for the emergency aeromedical retrieval available 24/7 across rural and remote Australia
- Ride 609km – 1km for each patient flown every 48 hours
- Ride 1,060km – 1km for every patient the RFDS help every day
Tricia said the challenge provides motivation to stay active, supports the RFDS to continue changing lives across Tasmania and Australia, and provides a sense of community working together toward a worthy goal.
"My continued participation is tied to the need to be active and healthy, and it gives me a goal to achieve and I look forward each year to meeting other participants,” she said.
“Sometimes you'll see someone wearing their Oceans to Outback shirt at Parkrun and instantly feel connected.
Her words to those considering taking on the challenge are, "No matter how little you do in the month of October, it'll be worthwhile and valuable for you. Exercise is so important and the additional benefit of raising money for this most trusted charity will make you proud too."
This October, you can make a difference.
By taking part in Oceans to Outback you'll help raise vital funds that keep the Flying Doctor in the air and on the road, delivering essential healthcare and emergency support to people in rural and remote Tasmanian communities.
Join the challenge, move your way, and help change lives across Tasmania.
