Making care possible 

Warracknabeal resident Alison has been a fan of the Flying Doctor for some 60 years now. 

“My interest in the Flying Doctor dates back to the 1960s, when my parents gave me the book, Flynn of the Inland,” says Alison, referring to a biography written by prolific Australian author, Ion Idriess, about the Flying Doctor’s iconic founder, John Flynn.  

This interest intensified in the ‘80s, with the advent of The Flying Doctors TV show. 

“I think my motivation [for supporting RFDS Victoria] really came from the wonderful series of a few years past, The Flying Doctors, which was filmed in part in Minyip, near Warracknabeal!” 

Whatever the catalyst, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has earned itself a very special place in Alison’s heart. 

“I’ve always admired the wonderful resilience of folk in the remote outback of our vast country, and have always been keen to read about station life,” Alison explains. “I am very interested in the wonderful services provided by RFDS, especially to those people so far from medical assistance – it's lifesaving and life changing work.” 

So passionate was Alison about the Flying Doctor that when she heard its Community Transport service was coming to Warracknabeal, she put her hand up immediately to become a volunteer driver. 

“I saw it as a minute way in which I could assist in providing transport to those in need,” says Alison. 

Earlier this year, RFDS Victoria announced that its Flying Doctor Community Transport service was expanding to eight new communities across Victoria, with support from Western Victoria Primary Health Network (PHN), Murray PHN and Gippsland PHN. Warracknabeal was one of the first new sites chosen, thanks to a new partnership with Yarriambiack Shire Council. 

While the Community Transport service helps local residents to attend their health care appointments by offering free transportation, it is different than a taxi service. At its core, it is a program that enables residents to remain in control of their own health, while also offering a space for community engagement and social interaction. 

“I am looking forward to meeting and interacting with new people, hearing about their experiences and hopefully making their day a little brighter,” says Alison, who has dedicated herself to becoming active in the local community since moving to Warracknabeal in 2010. 

However, Alison’s support for the Flying Doctor extends even further, with Alison choosing to leave a Gift in her Will to RFDS Victoria. In doing so, she is helping to ensure the future of the Flying Doctor, and keeping service like Community Transport on the road. 

“For many years, I have greatly admired all the wonderful, committed people who give untiringly of themselves to those in need,” says Alison. “In a very minute way, I look forward to being able to contribute to the cause.” 

If you’re interested in joining the Community Transport team, please head to our website. 

For more information about leaving a Gift in Will to the Flying Doctor, click here.