When Neville talks about his life before connecting with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania, he doesn’t sugar coat it. “I had cancer and wasn’t expected to live.”
Neville lives in Swansea on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Five years ago, after a year‑long recovery from cancer that left his body weakened and exhausted, he was referred to RFDS Tasmania’s Physical Health program by his GP.
At the time, his strength had deteriorated to the point where he could not stand or sit without assistance, let alone walk.
He describes that period with characteristic honesty: having
“one foot in the grave and the other on a banana skin.”
The muscle mass he needed for everyday movement had gone, and a bout of COVID and pneumonia had taken his breath. While he needed physiotherapy to recover, the nearest service was a 40‑minute drive away, a journey that did more harm than good.
What Neville needed wasn’t just clinical support. He needed care that was local, consistent, and tailored to his condition.
That’s where RFDS Tasmania came in.
Relearning movement, rebuilding strength
Through the Physical Health program, Neville began working with RFDS clinicians in his own community. Slowly and carefully, he started to rebuild.
“It was quite a journey, being taught to walk again, using different muscles, breathing.”
With weekly one‑on‑one and group sessions, the focus wasn’t just on recovery, but on understanding his body. Things like how to move safely, how to rebuild strength, and how to maintain progress over time. The support was personal, practical, and grounded in Neville’s day‑to‑day reality.
Over time, the results spoke for themselves.
Neville regained his strength and just as importantly, he regained his independence.
“Having somebody that cares”
Today, Neville can do things he hasn’t been able to do for 10 or even 15 years, long before his diagnosis. He credits his progress not just to the exercises or the sessions, but to the understanding behind them.
“Having somebody that cares, rings you up and says, ‘is everything alright?’”
That consistent, local contact made all the difference. It helped Neville stay motivated, supported, and confident enough to keep pushing forward, even on difficult days.
“It has been a godsend to be able to get my health back…. It’s a joy to wake up. I’m very thankful for that.”
Care that strengthens whole communities
RFDS Tasmania’s Physical Health program supports people living with long‑term illness, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions and dementia. Delivered by Exercise Physiologists, Physical Health Workers and Rural Health Workers embedded in their communities, the program helps participants build functional strength, maintain mobility, and improve quality of life.
For people living in rural and remote areas, like Neville, access is everything.
Reaching people where they live doesn’t just improve individual health outcomes. In Neville’s experience, it strengthens the fabric of the community itself.
“Having it local here is absolutely fantastic… It makes a town. There are people that go to these groups and support each other. It brings people together.”
And for many Tasmanians like Neville, local support is life‑changing.
With your support, the Royal Flying Doctor Service can reach more Tasmanians and help them regain their confidence and independence with physical, dental and mental health services.
