Mr Rob Slocombe has been elected Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations) to replace Mr Sam Walsh AO, who concludes his tenure as Chair after nine years of successful, voluntary service in April 2026.
Mr Slocombe acknowledged Mr Walsh’s impact as an extraordinary leader for the RFDS.
“Sam’s excellent leadership over the past nine years ensures the RFDS will continue to thrive as an iconic organisation for the benefit of Western Australians for generations to come. On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank him for his service.”
Under Mr Walsh’s leadership, RFDS has undergone significant growth and innovation to deliver its 24/7 services across geographically challenging expanse of regional WA. He has overseen the introduction of jets and helicopters to its aircraft fleet, establishing a new base in Broome (now the busiest outside the metropolitan area), maintaining safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and securing a strong financial position through effective government, corporate and community support. Mr Walsh actively supports the RFDS community and is a dedicated member of the Friends of the RFDS fundraising auxiliary.
(Pictured: Mr Sam Walsh AO)
Mr Slocombe has been a valued member of the RFDS WA Board since 2019 and brings extensive board and executive experience to his new role. With Masters qualifications in Business, and Science and Technology (Aviation), Mr Slocombe is Group CEO and Executive Director at RAC WA and has an executive career that spans organisations including Westpac, St George and AMP Bank. His current board and advisory roles include the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, Faculty of Business and Law Advisory Council at Curtin University, St Ives Retirement Living, and Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals. He is Chair of BetterLabs and the Australian Automobile Association.
Ms Joanne Farrell has been appointed Deputy Chair and has also been a valued member of the RFDS WA Board since 2019. Her extensive strategic expertise includes safety, human resources and risk management, and community and corporate engagement. She is Chair of Brightwater Care Group, recent Chair of Safe Work Australia, a member of the University of WA Senate and Board of The Mabo Centre. Joanne was an executive leader at Rio Tinto for more than 30 years, including as Group Executive HSE and Managing Director Australia.
(Pictured: Mr Rob Slocombe & Ms Joanne Farrell)
The appointments of Mr Slocombe and Ms Farrell come at a pivotal moment for the service, which continues to deliver its ambitious RFDS WA 2024 - 2028 Strategy ‘Above and Beyond’ as it nears its 100-year anniversary. Their leadership will help ensure the RFDS continues to deliver outstanding care to patients and meet the growing needs of communities across the State.
Mr Slocombe is committed to building on the RFDS’s strong foundation.
“It has been a privilege to have served as an RFDS WA Board Member for the past seven years. As Chair, I will focus on ensuring the RFDS remains at the forefront of meeting the evolving health needs of people in regional Western Australia, wherever they live or work in our great State.
The RFDS extends its deep appreciation to Mr Walsh for his exceptional service and leadership and warmly welcomes Mr Slocombe and Ms Farrell into their new roles. We also thank other outgoing Board members Professor Angus Turner, Mr Tim Shackleton, Mr John van der Wielen and Mr Simon Trott for their valued contributions and are pleased to welcome Simon Richmond to the Board.
