Tony Crook (O'Connor, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, 15 May 2013, marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service, now known as the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service. The brainchild of the visionary and legendary Reverend John Flynn, who saw the opportunities of the technology of the day, took to the air on 17 May 1928 in a single engine biplane leased from Qantas and crewed by pilot Arthur Affleck and Dr Kenyon Walsh.

In its first year the service flew 28,000 kilometres and treated 250 patients. Today, on average, the Flying Doctor Service will conduct 39 healthcare clinics; contact 750 patients, transporting 112 of them; and fly nearly 79,000 kilometres with more than 240 take-offs and landings. Yearly that equates to nearly 274,000 patient contacts, flying a staggering 26,600,000 kilometres and transporting more than 40,000 patients. This service is delivered by over 1,150 staff in 61 modern aircraft from 21 bases around Australia.

I sincerely congratulate the Royal Flying Doctor Service on this significant milestone and thank those who work and support the Flying Doctor Service in their wonderful work in regional and remote Australia.