The official magazine of the Royal Flying Doctor Service QUEENSLAND SECTION • AUGUST 10 >
Queensland>
Patient > A new appreciation p14
Partnership > QCoal signs on as Principal Sponsor p3
Program > Child and family health services p18 Profile > Mona Phillips - Community Liaison and Development p10
SUPPORTING THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA
F
rom remote outback stations to inner city airports the PC-12 operates day and night to keep the Flying Doctor in the air. WIth twenty four aeromedical PC-12’s in operation throughout Australia
the Royal Flying Doctor Service is an indispensable member of the Pilatus family. We invite you to call and find out more information about the PC-12 aircraft.
THE PC-12 NG
Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd. Tel: +61 8 8234 4433 www.pilatus.com.au
Welcome > In this edition of Flying Doctor Queensland there are three very different staff stories. The first celebrates the life of a dearly loved and admired long-term staff member, Mary Grogan, who we lost suddenly and sadly in June this year. Another is about Mona Phillips who works in Mount Isa in a Community Liaison Development role that helps improve the way RFDS works with Aboriginal peoples. The third tells the story of Kirstie Broadfield who thanked the RFDS for assisting with the delivery of her son, Ethan, by coming and working for us. While questions are still asked about whether or not Australia has emerged from the global financial crisis, I know that there are no questions about whether our supporters have helped us to cope through this challenging time. Once again you contributed more than $6 million this financial year, which met our target and helps ensure that we can deliver the finest care to the furthest corners of Queensland. Thank you.
Russell Ousley
IN THIS ISSUE >
> A message from the CEO A quarterly review from Nino Di Marco. > A new partnership QCoal signs on as Principal Sponsor. > A tribute to Mary Grogan The ‘voice of the RFDS’. > What’s on Upcoming events. > Spirit of Queensland Awards Our entrants engage their communities. > Thank you for your donations We recognise some of the recent generous contributors to the RFDS. > Ten minutes with Mona Phillips We give you an inside look at the RFDS Community Liaison and Development - General Health role.
General Manager Marketing and Fundraising
> How you can help Find out how to support the RFDS.
OUR SUPPORTERS >
> A new appreciation Read about Kirstie’s encounter with the RFDS. > RFDS celebrates NAIDOC week Tribute paid to unsung heroes.
OUR PATRON > We are proud to have Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AO, Governor of Queensland as our patron.
> The furthest corner. The finest care. Providing child and family health services to rural and remote communities.
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This magazine is produced by the Marketing and Fundraising Department of the RFDS in Queensland. If you do not wish to receive future editions of this magazine, please contact the RFDS on (07) 3860 1100 or email: rfds_bne@rfdsqld.com.au > 12 Casuarina Street, BRISBANE AIRPORT QLD 4007 > Ph: (07) 3860 1100 > Fax: (07) 3860 1122 > www.flyingdoctor.org.au
> August 2010
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A message from the CEO Nino Di Marco CEO
Queensland Section
In the 1920s, when the Flying Doctor was just a big idea, it was inspiration and innovation that turned that idea into reality and forged a path for the organisation we have today. In 2010, innovation remains a key organisational value that enables us to find new solutions and continually improve the services we provide. When innovation is combined with our other values of care and respect, reliability and dependability, safety and quality, collaboration and being socially and ethically responsible, they become the core of our organisation and define the service we provide to Queensland.
In May, we celebrated the 82nd anniversary of the RFDS at a morning tea in the Brisbane Base hangar. I was delighted to see these values reinforced by our donors and supporters. So many times in numerous conversations, I experienced a new perspective on the RFDS. It was wonderful to hear so many stories, recounting how we have helped someone in the family with a transfer or evacuation, through to compliments on how employees engaged with visitors during the event. These comments are a true reflection of our values on show, and it is these values that drive us to deliver on our mission and strive to achieve our 2020 vision: We will provide rural, remote and regional Queensland with equitable access to comprehensive quality health care. We have recently launched a new strategic plan to help us achieve this vision. For the RFDS (Queensland Section), this is a new financial year with a new direction for the organisation, but a continued focus on providing excellence in aeromedical and primary health care. The provision of health services across the state and country have certainly been a topic of conversation since the Federal Government announced health care reform changes. These changes aim to provide improved access to services and a focus on health issues at local levels throughout the nation. For the RFDS in Queensland, we strive to ensure that health services for rural and remote Queensland are not forgotten. It is with great pleasure (and some relief) that I announce that with the help of our dedicated donors, supporters and sponsors, we achieved our fundraising target of $6 million for the 2009/2010 financial year. I am grateful that we have such amazing support from the community, because the last 18 months have been a challenging economic time which makes this an extraordinary effort from everyday Queenslanders and I sincerely thank you. Next financial year will be a new challenge with yet another target for fundraising to accommodate the increasing costs of providing these services. I hope you will stay with us on this journey and enable us to continue to provide the very best services we can. One great step towards our target for 2010/11 is our announcement that QCoal has joined the RFDS as a Principal Sponsor. QCoal Pty Ltd is a privately owned, Queensland-based company focused on coal exploration and mining. With strong beliefs in what we do and a local connection with the RFDS, QCoal has made a three year commitment to the RFDS and join Ergon Energy and Brisbane Airport as our Principal Sponsors. I would like to thank Chris Wallin and the team at QCoal and look forward to making you proud of your association with the Flying Doctor.
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QCoal signs on as Principal Sponsor Working or living in the furthest corners of Queensland puts people a long way from urban centres where modern medical facilities are available. While it was farming and agriculture that drove the early demand for the Flying Doctor, today the key industry of mining is just as reliant upon the life saving services provided by the modern Royal Flying Doctor Service. One man that recognises this is geologist Chris Wallin, who is a long term supporter of the RFDS and Managing Director of QCoal. “Working as a field geologist for over 20 years in rural and remote areas has reinforced to me how important the RFDS is. Although I have not used the service personally, I know those that have,” said Chris. Although Chris has had a significant and successful career discovering mineral deposits, it is only recently that he started running a fully operational mine, namely the Sonoma mine in Collinsville. With Sonoma’s first shipment of coal heading overseas in February 2008 and many other projects in the pipeline, Chris felt the time was right to make a significant contribution to the RFDS. He did this by committing QCoal to a principal sponsorship for an initial three year period. “I am very humble and excited to establish a partnership between QCoal and RFDS. This partnership is very important to us,” he said. RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Nino Di Marco, who first met Chris in 2009, said the partnership was a great fit for the RFDS.
Chris Wallin, Managing Director of QCoal with RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO, Nino Di Marco.
“It is a very close connection too, with the Sonoma mine sitting right beside the Collinsville airstrip where the RFDS regularly lands to transport local residents with urgent medical needs to hospitals such as Townsville or Rockhampton.” “I would like to thank Chris Wallin and the team at QCoal for their eagerness to make a difference for us. I understand they plan to engage all their staff as well as their contractors to try to get more financial support for us. I look forward to making them proud of their association with the Flying Doctor,” said Nino. QCoal joins Ergon Energy and Brisbane Airport as Principal Sponsors of the RFDS.
Sonoma Mine > Located approximately 6 kilometres south of Collinsville at the northern end of Queensland’s Bowen Basin. > Produces 4 million product tonnes per annum of coking and thermal coal products. > Exports to countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.
“QCoal strongly believe in what we do and have a local connection with the RFDS,” commented Nino. > August 2010
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A tribute to Mary Grogan, the voice of the RFDS It is with much sadness that the staff of the RFDS farewell Mary Grogan, RFDS Cairns Base Assistant Base Manager, ‘voice of the RFDS’ and amazing person. Mary was born in Cloncurry in 1944, the daughter of Sam and Violet Thorley. In 1960, aged 16, Mary joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service as radio operator clerk/ typist. She worked at Cloncurry Base until June 1964 when Cloncurry Base was relocated to Mount Isa. She resigned in Mount Isa and soon after married Terry in Townsville in November 1966. Later on, Terry and Mary moved to Cairns and Mary started work at the Cairns Base in July 1976. Mary resigned in December 1980 to move to Townsville. Mary and Terry returned to Cairns where Mary started her last period of service with the RFDS in July 1983, uninterrupted for 27 years. There are very few people who have served the RFDS for over 40 years like Mary, and this truly is a display of her dedication to the RFDS and the people of the bush. Mary saw many changes from the transition of radio to telephone communications, moving from paper based systems to electronic, and the rapid expansion of the organisation. During this time, Mary took on a variety of roles, all challenging, but successfully delivered in her own special way with great attention to detail and care. Mary played a vital role in the development of the RFDS. As a dedicated deputy to her close friend and RFDS Cairns Base Manager, Mike Lacey, she helped establish the RFDS Cairns Base as the largest, most diversified base in Australia. When Mary joined the RFDS all those years ago, Cairns Base was one of three Queensland bases, with around 12 employees. There are now eight bases and over 300 staff in Queensland. RFDS Cairns Base Manager, Mike Lacey describes Mary as a wonderful asset to the RFDS. “If you were to imagine what an ideal employee for the RFDS would be you cannot go past Mary. One of her outstanding qualities of which she had many was her calm and gentle manner. This was exemplified when talking on the HF radio and the telephone. I have been told many times, ‘it is always so reassuring to hear
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> August 2010
Mary’s voice’. This was particularly so when people were reporting medical emergencies. I have also heard Mary described as ‘the voice of the RFDS’. I am sure that in the days of radio communication that so many people were relieved when their emergency calls were answered by ‘station pressing emergency call button this is VJN Cairns, Mary speaking’,” Mike said. Mary has an unsurpassed level of respect and admiration from across the RFDS, and also from the people of the bush with whom many remained Mary’s lifelong friends. Many staff and friends sought her advice on many issues both related to work and on a personal level. Mary was an exemplary employee and worked far and beyond expected duties. While it has only been recent that Mary was appointed to the position of Assistant Base Manager, in reality she has held this position for the last 21 years. Mary was a mentor and always played a central role in mentoring new employees to the organisation – she took them under her wing. She also ensured no key milestone for anyone went without a celebration – again Mary’s kindness and compassion shone through. Her wisdom and counsel will be missed throughout the organisation. Her depth of knowledge always evident through the catchcry ‘ask Mary, she will know’. Mary valued the RFDS and the RFDS valued Mary. Who could not considering her dedication, humility, kindness and compassion. Through her kindly presence and calming reassuring voice she could make a bad day seem good. Mary was always there, in her special way. Her dedication and values are those of the quintessential RFDS employee. She was a blessing to us and we will strive to match her dedication and compassion for others. The RFDS has been lucky to know you. We will miss you. Mary, may you rest in peace.
Photography by Longshots - www.longshots.com.au
Mary valued the RFDS and the RFDS valued Mary. Who could not considering her dedication, humility, kindness and compassion. Through her kindly presence and calming reassuring voice she could make a bad day seem good. Mary was always there, in her special way. Her dedication and values are those of the quintessential RFDS employee. > August 2010
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What’ s on Upcoming events> Springtime Morning Tea RFDS Rockhampton Auxiliary fundraiser Wednesday 1 September, 10am
Location: QRI Club, Denison Street, Rockhampton Admission: $10 RSVP: Wednesday 25 August Please contact Dell on (07) 4928 6498 or Marion on (07) 4927 9972
Brisbane Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group (BACACG).
Brisbane Airport’s Community Group off to a flying start > Airport operations and community impact are the focus of the Brisbane Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group (BACACG), which met for the first time at Brisbane Airport in June. Independent Chair of BACACG, former Queensland Governor, Major-General Peter Arnison AC, CVO, said the growth of Brisbane Airport, particularly the future operations of a runway system that will cater for a doubling of passenger numbers over the next 20 years, required strong and sustainable links with the community. “Brisbane’s capital city airport has a range of impacts on all our lives, from an economic and business point of view, facilitating safe and reliable transport, or contributing to the liveability of our communities,” Major-General Arnison said. BACACG includes Community Interest Monitors from relevant federal electorates around Brisbane Airport, as well as representatives of the Queensland Premier, the Brisbane Lord Mayor and nominees from the major airlines, Air Services Australia and Brisbane Airport Corporation.
Brisbane’s capital city airport has a range of impacts on all our lives, from an economic and business point of view, facilitating safe and reliable transport, or contributing to the liveability of our communities.
Charters Towers Field Day Spirit of Queensland Awards fundraiser Thursday 16 - Saturday 18 September
Location: Charters Towers Agricultural Expo Visit the RFDS merchandise stand For more information contact Leanne Pullen 0458 242 969
Jazz on the Green
Friday 15 October, 6.00pm till late
Location: Speaker’s Green, Parliament House, Brisbane Ticket price: $80 adults, $40 children and includes dinner, wine and live entertainment To purchase tickets or for further information contact rsvp@parliament.qld.gov.au. All proceeds will be donated to the RFDS
Diamonds and Dust Ball Spirit of Queensland Awards fundraiser Saturday 23 October, 7pm
Location: Shire Hall - Herbert Street, Boulia. For more information contact Shelley on 0429 434 279
The Mining Ball - La Gala Minera
Saturday 29 October, 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Location: The Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Ticket price: $190 per person and includes three course meal, drinks and entertainment Dress: Evening For further information see page 17 or contact Cheryl Kearney on (07) 3221 2366 or email ckearney@xstractgroup.com All proceeds will be donated to the RFDS
Charity Golf Day Spirit of Queensland Awards fundraiser Saturday 13 November
Location: Clermont Golf Club For more information contact Bill Faint (07) 4983 1200 or Leanne Pullen (07) 4942 2824
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One Opening Night Charity Screening Thursday 18 November
Location: Event Cinemas Chermside Ticket price: $18.00 for adults $15.00 for children (each child receives a goodie bag) Dress: prizes for best Harry Potter character costumes For tickets please call Barry on 0408 722 064 or email baduncan@bigpond.net.au
Spirit of Queensland Awards Gala Presentation Ball Saturday 20 November, 7pm
Location: Moda Events, Portside, Hamilton Dress: Black tie Join with us to acknowledge and reward the amazing efforts of the Spirit of Queensland Awards finalists. Guests will enjoy a three course dinner, beer, wine, soft drink and entertainment. For more information contact Kathy on (07) 3860 1119 or book online www.flyingdoctor.org.au/SOQA
To add your RFDS fundraising event to the calendar, please contact (07) 3860 1100. 6
> August 2010
Images from top left: Ron celebrates 82 years of the RFDS, Sandra from Mackay shows off a selection of her artworks at her exhibition. Bottom left: Shelley with a fishing competition participant, Jon from Brisbane and Val from the Brisbane Auxiliary with a visitor at the Queensland Air Museum’s Open Cockpit Weekend, Donna and Percy from Mission Beach with Mayor Bill Shannon as he cuts the cake to celebrate Flying Doctor Week and Candice with keys to her new car (Photograph courtesy of North West Star).
SOQA entrants engaging their communities
Hardworking entrants all over Queensland are organising and hosting fundraising activities showing great creativity and fresh ideas to raise awareness of the RFDS in their local communities. Congratulations to entrants who have already usive distributor of Hawker Beechcraft aircraft qualified to come to Brisbane for the finals. Excitement is mounting for the finals in November. This
year, helps the Gala to service keepBall the is to be held at Moda Events, Portside (formerly on Saturday 20 November. Early bird or Service in theGianni’s) air
tickets (before 31 October) are only $110 per person thanks to the generous support of Hawker Pacific and include a three course dinner, wine, beer, soft drink and
on and Aeromedical modifications
Since 1978, Hawker Pacific has been a strong and proud supporter of the RFDS.
This long-lasting working relationship has included the supply of a range of Hawker Beechcraft aircraft, including the world leading King Air aircraft, ongoing aircraft maintenance and the design and installation of aeromedical equipment.
Gala Presentation sponsor
Premium sponsors
entertainment. Come along to share the excitement and acknowledge the finalists’ fantastic fundraising efforts. Book your seat online www.flyingdoctor.org.au/SOQA The 2009 SOQA winner Candice from Mount Isa is thrilled with her new car and we are delighted to announce that Holden will present the 2010 winner with a brand new Barina Hatch. Say thank you to the organisation who save the lives of loved ones throughout Queensland by becoming an entrant in the RFDS Spirit of Queensland Awards. Applications to participate in the 2011 Awards will be accepted from 1 December 2010. Major sponsors
Proud supporters
with us today. Document4 16/4/2002 8:30 AM Page 1
H AW K E R
PAC I F I C
Red Dust Role Models For the past six years, Foster’s, RFDS SOQA sponsor, has been offering employees the opportunity to participate in the Red Dust Role Models program, a unique program that uses the profile and influence of positive role models to deliver health messages to remote Indigenous youth. The Red Dust Role Models program also promotes education as a pathway to increased opportunities for personal development, employment and preparedness for community leadership. Employees from Foster’s have visited diverse communities over the past years including Daly River, Wadeye, Kintore and the Tiwi and Galiwinku Islands. One of the RFDS’s Spirit of Queensland judges,
Catherine Michael with children from the Gapuwiyak community.
Catherine Michael, who is Foster’s Communications Manager for Queensland and Western Australia, was lucky enough to spend a week with the Gapuwiyak community in East Arnhem land. “I will never forget the experience; the kids were so beautiful, the teachers and community workers amazing and I gained a new level of appreciation of how complex the issues are that these communities face every day.” > August 2010
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Thank you for your donations From left to right: RFDS Pilot Martin Hurst with Owen Zupp at the Mount Isa stopover.
‘There and Back’ a journey in celebration
Cornett’s IGA Community
Chest Program
the recipient of over The RFDS is delighted to be tt’s IGA Community $12,500 through the Corne Chest Program. gram, run through The Community Chest Pro A supermarkets, has participating Cornett’s IG y tags and bar codes. now gone hi-tech with ke the checkout when Customers scan the tag at y Cornett’s IGA store they do their shopping at an ed. These are then and points are accumulat nt to be sent to their converted into a cash amou ly the RFDS! favourite charity – hopeful throughout the state Key tags were distributed ards entrants and by Spirit of Queensland Aw who handed them out RFDS Auxiliary members, to everyone who has to customers. Thank you far. We hope it results supported this project so tion to the RFDS from in another substantial dona gram. the Community Chest Pro uglas of Cornett’s IGA, Port Do Mr Paul Scott, manager (left) rris Awards entrant Vic Mo with Spirit of Queensland tomer. handing a key tag to a cus
tion, pilot, In celebration of 100 years of Australian avia rtook a author and public speaker Owen Zupp, unde along the flight around Australia collecting donations 5 aboard way. The journey began in Bundaberg on May D aircraft. an Australian designed and built Jabiru J230 es of the Concluding 19 days later, his words and imag great journey raised awareness of the beauty of this Flying land, drew focus to the challenges that the Australia Doctor faces each and every day throughout service. and also raised $10,000 to help support the
65,000 reasons to thank
AusIMM
In 2009 AusIMM Mining Ba ll again supported the RFDS and raised an amazi ng $65,000. Thank you to Southern Queensland Au sIMM for hosting this great event and to the 2009 major event sponsor Xstrata Coal and silver spon sor New Hope Coal for your generous support. Left to right: Russell Ousley , RFDS General Manager Ma rketing and Fundraising accepts a $65,000 cheque from Kevin Irving, 2010 Chairman Southern Queensland Branch AusIMM .
Safety incentive supports RFDS Mount Isa fertiliser producer Incitec Pivo t Limited introduced a workplace safety program throughout March to rais e funds for the RFDS. The Zero Harm program, designed to promote safe ty awareness at the Phosphate Hill and Mount Isa plants, raised $12,000 at the end of the four week shutdown period. The company contributed $40 0 for each injury-free day and only two minor injuries were recorded. The RFD S thanks Incitec Pivot for their support and focus on safe work environments. Photo courtesy of the North West Star. From left to right: RFDS Medical Offic er Dr Don Bowley with Incitec Pivot Shut Manager, Dan Miller and Mount Isa Operations Man ager, Brian Corrie.
Shop online for your RFDS merchandise! During the temporary closure of The Outback Shop, merchandise can be purchased online from our website > www.flyingdoctor.org.au
Tribute paid to the RFDS The RFDS was pleased to be this year’s nom inated charity for the annual Parker and Partners Polit zer Prize. The Hon Bruce Scott, Federal Member for Mar anoa, was named the winner for his entry, titled ‘Bui lding a Nest in the West’, that pays homage to the natu ral beauty of the outback with the image portraying pelic ans flocking to the great flood plains of western Que ensland. An active supporter of the RFDS, Mr Scott selected the Queensland Section to receive the $5,0 00 prize money, extending his gratitude for the service provided to the state and nation.
Any orders received via mail during this time are unable to be processed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our supporters.
From left to right: Nino Di Marco, RFDS (Que ensland Section) CEO; Hon Bruce Scott, Federal Member for Maranoa; Bettina Daley; and Sharon Tuffin from Parker and Partners.
harity Ball
CondonTreasure C
eir third aritable Trust ran th Ch re su ea Tr on nd The Co d continued arity Ball in Roma an CondonTreasure Ch list a DS. With a waiting RF e th r fo t or pp su their the night s made the most of mile long, attendee lping orted the auction, he pp su y all tic ias us th and en e RFDS 000 on the night. Th raise a total of $30, sors ledge the event spon would like to acknow another r ise made this fundra and all involved who e staff you once again to th k an Th s. es cc su g roarin DS to be for choosing the RF at CondonTreasure is great event. the beneficiary of th
DS Charleville Kate McGowan, RF From left to right : t, RFDS Corporate nistrator; Peta Wes Base Senior Admi r, CondonTreasure dinator; Kevin Harke Partnerships Coor tthew Noller, ton Office and Ma Principal Rockhamp ckhampton Office. naging Principal Ro CondonTreasure Ma otography, Roma. y of Brown Gully Ph Photograph courtes
Thank you ANZ Thank you to ANZ and the numerous sponsors of the ANZ Corporate Golf Day which raised over $11,000 for the RFDS. We were very grateful for the appearance of special guest Shane Webcke, who generously donated his time on the day, gave an entertaining speech over lunch and donated items for our auction. Thanks also to regular RFDS supporter Breville whose donated cappuccino machine raised $2,820 on the RFDS “Buy a Cheat” hole. Left to right: Nathan May, ANZ Relationship Manager; Cameron Horne, ANZ State Manager; Russell Ousley, RFDS General Manager Marketing and Fundraising and Peter Goss, ANZ Senior Relationship Manager.
> August 2010
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STAFF PROFILE >
Ten minutes with Mona Community Liaison and Development Officer – General Health Mona Phillips works for the RFDS Mount Isa Base in a Community Liaison and Development – General Health role. Here we spend ten minutes with Mona, one of the dedicated workers behind the RFDS.
Some people may not be aware of the role the RFDS plays in community development. In Community Liaison and Development – General Health, what does your role entail? My role is quite broad in that I work across the medical and social health areas to support RFDS employees in the field, who in turn, provide communities with health services. I also provide cross-cultural training and help orientate new staff to ensure cultural protocols are acknowledged and practised when treating Aboriginal patients. You provide staff with cross-cultural training. Why is this type of training important for RFDS employees? Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees undergo training to gain insight and knowledge into Aboriginal culture. RFDS employees then apply this knowledge and insight into providing a better health care service. By providing a health care service that is culturally sensitive and respectful to individual communities and its people, the RFDS increases the chance of greater health outcomes. How long have you worked for the RFDS? I commenced work with the RFDS in April 2009. What inspired you to join the RFDS? I wanted to have the opportunity to create a better understanding between remote Aboriginal communities and western societies, and to learn more about the work of the RFDS. What inspires you to continue working for the RFDS? Working with dedicated people. What do you enjoy about working for the RFDS? The challenges of working across two very different cultures. How do you relax at the end of the day? Watching TV and spending time with family. Do you have any hobbies? Listening to music, sewing, cooking and camping. Where would you like to be in five years? Sitting beside a river watching the world go by. How would you describe yourself? Committed to making a difference. What is your proudest achievement while working for the RFDS? Connecting RFDS staff to community people and providing support and understanding about cultural issues.
By providing a health care service that is culturally sensitive and respectful to individual communities and its people, the RFDS increases the chance of greater health outcomes. 10
> August 2010
Bequests – a lasting legacy In 1926, Hugh Victor McKay was able to assist John Flynn’s dream of bringing a ‘Mantle of Safety’ to the people of Australia by leaving a gift in his will. Today we are asking you to consider doing the same and help us secure the future of the Flying Doctor. H V McKay, founder of the Sunshine Harvester Company, was a visionary manufacturer who, along with his brother and father, built a prototype stripper-harvester which went on to be patented in 1885, revolutionising wheat harvesting across the world. Through his success, he was able to support many community projects designed to encourage rural settlement and improve country life. Bequests, no matter how large or small, are a vital source of support for the RFDS and will ensure the continued delivery of aeromedical emergency and comprehensive health care services for people who live, work and travel in rural, remote and regional areas.
Please donate today >
It is also our vision that by 2020 we will be providing rural, remote and regional Queensland with equitable access to comprehensive quality health care. By leaving a gift in your will, the Service will be one step closer to realising this goal. If you, like H V McKay, have decided to include the RFDS in your will please let us know. For making this wonderful commitment you will be invited to join the Companion of the RFDS Alliance which acknowledges your commitment to the Service. If you have any questions or would like further information about including the RFDS in your will please contact our Bequest Officer, Emma Quigley on (07) 3860 1100 or email equigley@rfdsqld.com.au
Bequests, no matter how large or small, are a vital source of support for the RFDS.
Your support is vital to the thousands of people who rely on the Flying Doctor each and every day. From car accidents to vaccinations, the RFDS is there to help.
YES I want to help keep the Flying Doctor flying. MAGAUG10 I would like to make a donation of $ Please debit as per my details below / a cheque is attached. I would like to make regular donations. Please send me information about the Wings regular giving program. I would like more information about making a bequest in my will to the RFDS (QLD Section). Please send information to the address below. Name:
Please complete and send this form to: Reply Paid 64275 Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section). 12 Casuarina Street Brisbane Airport QLD 4007
Address: Ph: H)
W)
Email: Birthday:
/
Type of card: ❐
/ MasterCard ❐
Visa ❐
American Express ❐
Diners Club
Credit card number Signature: Donation amount: $
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> August 2010
DONATIONS TO THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
Card expiry date:
Ph: 07 3860 1100 Fax: 07 3860 1122 Email: rfds_bne@rfdsqld.com.au Website: www.flyingdoctor.org.au In accordance with the Privacy Act, the RFDS (QLD Section) will not disclose your personal information for reasons other than the primary purpose of the Service, to third parties without your consent. If you would like to access your personal information held by the Service, please contact the RFDS. You can request to have your details removed at any time from our mailing list.
A small yet regular contribution from employees can make a world of difference to the lives of many Queenslanders. We wish to introduce a new member of the team at the RFDS, Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, Peta West. As part of her role, Peta will work to support the RFDS Workplace Giving program. Workplace Giving supports the RFDS with long term, steady funding. A small yet regular contribution from employees can make a world of difference to the lives of many Queenslanders. To buy vital medical equipment, develop a range of outback health initiatives and replace our aircraft, we must raise $6 million each year (over $16,000 every day); that makes every donation important to us. Each of our aircraft has a limited lifespan, and with the Queensland fleet flying more than 20,000 hours every year, to have enough funds to replace these life saving aircraft is a priority for us. Peta is keen to speak with any companies that may be interested in this great way of giving. Peta is available to attend staff meetings or give presentations to talk about the program and the vital service that the RFDS provides. Maybe you already have a staff induction program in place where Peta can incorporate the RFDS Workplace Giving program. We thank the companies involved in the RFDS Workplace Giving program and those individuals who give a part of their wage to the RFDS. We encourage current donors to tell their work colleagues about the program; this could be the best way to double your contribution. If you or your company wish to start regular workplace giving, or would like extra copies of our magazine for your reception area or lunch rooms, please contact Peta. Alternatively if you can think of ways we can promote the program at your workplace, please contact Peta on (07) 3852 7502 or email pwest@rfdsqld.com.au Your support in increasing the awareness of the Service through your workplace, with friends and family will continue to assist us in keeping the Flying Doctor flying!
We would like to thank the following organisations for participating in our workplace giving program: Ashton Engineering Australian Federal Police Autocorner Barcaldine Regional Council Belyando Shire Council Birla Mt Gordon Pty Ltd Bowen Shire Council Broadsound Shire Council Byrnecut Mining Pty Ltd CAF Australia Calliope Shire Council Chinchilla Shire Council Cook Shire Council Cootharinga Society of North Qld Corporatelink (ADP Employer) Crow’s Nest Shire Council CQ University Department of Main Roads Department of Primary Industries Diamantina Shire Council Duaringa Shire Council Education Queensland Emerald Motors Pty Ltd Emerald Shire Council Energex Limited Ensham Resources Ergon Energy Pty Ltd Ernest Henry Mining Pty Ltd Fitzroy Shire Council Foster’s Australia Gladstone Area Group Apprentices Gold Coast City Council Golding Contractors Pty Ltd Gympie Regional Council
Howard Services Ian Weigh Motors Pty Ltd Livingstone Shire Council Mackay Regional Council Maroochydore Shire Council Mercy Aged Care Services Minniecon & Burke Pty Ltd Natural Resources Assessments Noosa Shire Council NTEU National Office Nurses Quarters Our Community Peanut Company of Australia Port of Brisbane Corporation QFRS Rural Operations Central Region Queensland Police Service Queensland Health Queensland Magnesia Pty Ltd Quilpie Shire Council Ritchies Rockhampton Regional Council Rotary Club of Stanthorpe Rydges South Bank Stanwell Corporation Sunwater - Corporatelink Toowoomba Regional Council Townsville City Council Transfield Services Australia Pty Ltd Trust Company of Australia Ltd United Way Sydney UnityWater Voyages Hotels & Resorts Pty Ltd Warner Village Theme Parks
Get involved in Workplace Giving > August 2010
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PATIENT story >
A new appreciation
After an encounter with our services as a patient, and a chance opportunity to work in the RFDS Cairns Base, Executive Administration Officer Kirstie Broadfield has gained a new appreciation for the work of the RFDS.
Kirstie was informed that she was already 3cm dilated and it was a real possibility that she would be giving birth to her son that night, more than four months before her due date. Without adequate neo-natal intensive care facilities in Cairns to cope with such an early birth, she needed to be transferred to the Townsville Hospital.
In the early stages of her pregnancy, Kirstie was working as a temp for the Department of Communities in Cairns. She had just applied for a number of contract positions to see her through the remainder of her pregnancy, one of which was with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Kirstie remembers, “I was in shock. I don’t think I was really aware of what was happening, I don’t think the gravity of it had sunk in.”
Like a lot of people, Kirstie applied for the position with the RFDS with a common understanding of only the emergency work the RFDS is renowned for. This was soon to change. At 23 weeks, following multiple scans that indicated there may be an issue with the baby, Kirstie left work one afternoon for a check up at an antenatal clinic. Additional scans revealed that the baby was fine, however it became apparent that Kirstie might not have the typical birth she had planned.
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As part of the emergency inter-hospital transfer service that the RFDS provides, an aircraft was tasked to pick Kirstie up in Cairns and take her to Townsville, bypassing what would otherwise be a four hour drive. RFDS staff Dr Shelley Le Cong and midwife Troy Dicks tended to Kirstie throughout the flight. Kirstie recalls, “I hate flying! But they took excellent care of me throughout the flight and kept me calm”. Still grappling with the reality of the situation and with his wife enroute to Townsville, Kirstie’s husband Richard had challenges of his own. Kirstie explains, “He was worried for me but he is my rock to rely on. He organised friends
to collect my car, feed the cats and then packed himself a bag and drove to Townsville to be with me, arriving around 1.00am completely exhausted.” Getting to the care she needed and the extensive bed rest that followed, Kirstie avoided such a premature birth and was able to carry her child almost full-term. The weeks were long, with Richard driving back and forth between Cairns and Townsville every weekend for 11 weeks. Complications with gestational diabetes presented further challenges for Kirstie, and she was required to give herself insulin injections. On May 27, 2009 Ethan was born weighing 2.2 kilograms. The trials of the previous 11 weeks for both Kirstie and Richard were significant but soon faded, with their newborn safely in the care of the neo-natal staff. “He is such a lovely little boy”, Kirstie describes, “he is calm, collected and has such a cute smile. Definitely takes after his father”.
“When he was a week old, the RFDS flew us both back to Cairns Base Hospital, where Ethan remained for a further five weeks, but it allowed us to be closer to our family. I can’t thank RFDS enough for the support that was given to me during this time.” An opportunity to work for the RFDS presented itself when both mother and child had settled, and Kirstie has since been working as the Executive Administration Officer in the Primary Health Care area. In reflecting upon her experiences, both as a patient and in her working life Kirstie comments, “I always assumed the RFDS was just for people in remote areas like cattle stations with a ten hour drive to the nearest town and never considered Cairns remote. Having worked for the RFDS for nine months I also now know the important work in Primary Health Care and with Indigenous communities.” “I am and always will be very proud of working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”
I am and always will be very proud of working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
> August 2010
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$12 per month may not seem enough for you to make a difference, nevertheless there is strength in numbers.
Help us deliver the finest care to the furthest corners $12 per month may not seem enough for you to make a difference, nevertheless there is strength in numbers. The more Wings members there are, the greater the impact on regions where the RFDS is needed. By joining Wings and showing your commitment to the Flying Doctor, you will allow our highly skilled staff to deliver vital health care programs using crucial medical equipment purchased with funds raised through the Wings program. Please help to deliver an essential lifeline to those in need by joining Wings today.
Wings Program Members • Have you told your friends and family about the difference you are making to the lives of others as an RFDS Wings member? Why not get them involved, too. If your friends or family would like to join Wings, please tell them to mention your name and we will send you an RFDS pack to say thank you for your support. • Keep an eye out for our electronic newsletter exclusively for members. If you would like to receive the quarterly e-news please email wings@rfdsqld.com.au • Is your credit card about to expire? Are you moving? Please ensure you contact us to update your details. You can either email wings@rfdsqld.com.au or call (07) 3860 1100
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Join us today To become a Wings member or receive further information about the program, please call Katrina Garvin on (07) 3860 1149 or email wings@rfdsqld.com.au Please see below for the membership options available to you. Flying Doctor Supporter $12 per month or $144 annually Pilot Wing Partner $24 per month or $288 annually Flight Nurse Crew $44 per month or $528 annually RFDS Custodian $66 per month or $792 annually
RFDS Indigenous staff pays tribute to NAIDOC week’s theme Unsung heroes – closing the gap by leading their way
Indigenous RFDS staff members have paid tribute to their heroes as part of NAIDOC week’s theme Unsung heroes – closing the gap by leading their way. One of these staff members is Lorraine Aragu, an RFDS Community Liaison and Development Officer who is of Yidinji people of Cairns and surrounding areas and the Kadal Clan of Saibai Island. Here Lorraine pays tribute to her heroes, her Mum and Dad. My unsung heroes are definitely my parents: Katie Mays (senior) and Charlie Iboai (both deceased). Even before I was born, my parents had raised many children; this included my two older sisters and their children, and then later their grandchildren and their great grandchildren. They would always have room in their house and food in the cupboard to cater for other relatives and/or their children and any strays off the street. I always asked Mum, how come they call you ‘Mum’ and she would tell me the stories of how she and Dad had taken care of these children when things weren’t right at their homes and so on. By the time I had arrived into the world, I had a very extended family as you would call it. I was traditionally adopted by Mum and Dad so I grew up having an extra extended family. My parents weren’t rich, but were rich in the way of always giving and never asking for anything in return, we never went without. They had such big hearts and their door was always open and there was always lots of love and laughter in our house. They worked very hard to provide for the family of ‘everybody’s children’ as we called it. This sometimes
meant travelling from one town to the next with all kids in tow, but they never once complained (and this was back in the days, when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had to ask permission to move from town to town, or to work, visit relatives, etc). I couldn’t even imagine how hard it was for them in those days, because we never saw the pain or hurt or heard them complain or argue. Mum and Dad made sure we all went to school and got educated. When Dad discovered he had cataracts in both eyes, he and Mum scraped up enough money (by this time they were on age pension) to pay for him to have the operations so he was still able to drive us kids to school. Mum and Dad also taught us to go hunting and fishing and to learn to live off the land; I think the biggest lesson for me. I am so grateful for their teaching me how to live, love, learn to be patient, don’t hate, don’t lie (if you do, it will come back to bite you), be respectful, treat others how you would like to be treated and most of all be proud of who you are and of where you come from. I will always love you, Mum and Dad.
The Mining Ball La Gala Minera 29 October 2010
Dear Mining Colleague There’s a distinct South American flavour to this year’s Mining Ball…and we don’t just mean the coffee! You are cordially invited to grab your maracas, and attend the Australian mining community’s social event of the year, the 2010 Mining Ball. Last year’s Mining Ball raised plenty of peso’s, $65,000, for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and hopefully together we will surpass that this year.
The cost is only $190/person or $2,200 for a corporate table of 10. For further information or to secure your ticket or corporate sponsorship, please contact Senora Cheryl Kearney. Where: The Plaza Ballroom Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Cnr Merivale & Glenelg Street South Brisbane, Queensland Date:
29th of October 2010
The 2010 Mining Ball will be held in conjunction with the Mining 2010 Resources Convention. and is your chance to enjoy a great time with partners, staff, clients, and customers, and celebrate the important role they all play in our industry.
Time:
7:00pm for 7:30pm
Your ticket includes a premium three-course dinner, superb beverages, dazzling entertainment and a fabulous door prize to be won. (And no, it’s not a LLAMA!)
Best regards Kevin Irving 2010 Chairman and Mining Ball Co-ordinator, Southern Queensland Branch
Dress: Evening RSVP: 8 October 2010 ckearney@xstractgroup.com (07) 3221 2366
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PROGRAM story >
The RFDS provides valuable support to individuals and families in rural and remote Queensland, delivering a range of primary health care clinics at more than 30 locations throughout Cape York, Lower Gulf and western Queensland. Primary health care clinics provide a place to which people can bring a wide range of health problems and provides opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion as well as early detection of disease.
Providing child and family health services to rural and remote communities
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Child and family health clinics are provided as part of the RFDS comprehensive primary health care service and are delivered by RFDS Primary Health Care Nurses. Primary Health Care Nurses offer continuity of service. The same nurse visits the same community, and in larger communities nurses stay overnight to ensure regular community visits. They provide an equal start in life for children and their families and carers. Services provided include: > Routine child health checks, assessment and management of early childhood growth and development. Checks include hearing and vision screening, skin checks and language development. Common conditions in early childhood are addressed with education and support, through health promotion activities such as reading, fun food, caring for your teeth, music and play. > Childhood vaccinations as part of the routine child health check as well as supporting Queensland Health with immunisation programs such as Hepatitis B, Gardasil, H1N1, and seasonal influenza. Vaccination rates of children living in these areas where RFDS child health services are provided are some of the highest in the state.
Lisa Smith, RFDS Primary Health Care Nurse teaches expectant parents how to bath their baby.
> Health education and advice to parents and carers in relation to parenting including parenting skills, child behaviour, nutrition, skin care, ear and eye care, healthy eating, activity and play, safety, and reading.
> Using a primary health care approach, the RFDS also provides collaborative child and family health care and services to support the transition of families through antenatal, post-natal infant and child health, emotional and social well-being and participation in health promotion activities. To improve existing child health services, an important priority is mentoring and support of Indigenous health workers.
> Health promotion in Indigenous communities involve raising awareness of health issues amongst people who might be healthy today, in order to prevent illness in the future. Subjects include: healthy teeth, SIDS, healthy heart, bush camps, girls groups, photo walls to encourage and support giving up smoking, promotion of safe sleep practices, and involving fathers. Supported by Health Workers, these programs include cultural information and are related to how people live. Overall, child and family health services offer something for everyone. From families requiring additional help in the form of focussed and intensive assistance to children requiring routine vaccinations. > Referral to other health professionals occurs when medical or health conditions are identified. These referrals may be to local health teams or may require review in a major town. Visiting paediatricians, obstetricians, women’s health doctors, dental, hearing, emotional health and well being teams are available. > School health screening programs are offered in primary and high schools. Health checks are organised for years one and seven and include height, weight, vision and hearing screening. Teachers may request education sessions on subjects like spreading of germs (coughing and sneezing), healthy teeth, relationships, and promotion of healthy lifestyles to avoid smoking, drinking, or gambling. > Liaison and collaboration with other child health initiatives which enhance child health services. “Core of Life� is offered to 14-17 year olds, many of whom are at risk of early pregnancy and parenting. Information is offered to both boys and girls and promotes awareness of potential short and long-term consequences of pregnancy and parenting. The education sessions provide
an opportunity for young people to develop life skills, build their self esteem and encourage positive decision making skills.
The aim of the child and family health program is: > To improve access to high quality child and family health services, and provide support for individuals, parents, children, young people and their families including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and local communities that are appropriate to their needs. > To enhance the quality of life for rural and remote communities, including Indigenous people with a chronic disease. > Over time, reduce the incidence of adult chronic disease. Programs developed within the child and family health service over the past 12 months have included hospital visiting for families who are in major centres awaiting the birth of their child. Following birth and return to the communities, families are offered home visiting, parent education and support groups, plus child health checks at clinics, child care centres, and primary and secondary schools. Overall, child and family health services offer something for everyone. From families requiring additional help in the form of focussed and intensive assistance to children requiring routine vaccinations. The common experience shared by families and RFDS clinicians is the desire to raise happy, healthy children who will grow to be physically strong and specifically in Indigenous communities, culturally wise. Child and family health services and programs identify family strengths, acknowledge the importance of country, take time to explore those strengths and skills and use available resources. The child and family heath service is funded through several commonwealth and state government programs. > August 2010
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Outback bike ride supports the Flying Doctor It began as a simple idea in a business meeting but thanks to the determination and passion of a dedicated group of individuals, the idea evolved into the BCI Ride West 1000 - an amazing cycling challenge of 1,200 kilometers over ten days through the outback which has raised over $140,000 for the RFDS. Les Hancock of BCI Lawyers, the man behind the ride, recalls the moment when he pitched the idea last year; “Our business has a lot of clients in regional areas so I understand just how vital the work of the RFDS is to these communities. I was thinking of ways I could help and had this big idea of getting a team of riders together and cycling from Brisbane to Longreach. Each rider would commit to not only achieving the personal and physical challenge of the ride but also to raise much-needed funds for the Flying Doctor.” The 33 riders set out from Amberley Airbase, Brisbane on May 7 and the next ten days saw the team rise to the mental and physical challenge of the event. Nothing was left to chance with comprehensive safety briefings for each day’s ride, a team of volunteers as a support crew which included Dr Robert Plant, (a former RFDS Medical Officer early in his career) and his wife Barbara to look after the health of the riders. The event also had support from Lindsay Australia Limited, National Australia Bank, a’qto and Black Toyota as well fantastic community support along the way from the Queensland Country Women’s Association who provided a very welcome lunch for the riders on most days. “All the CWA groups were wonderful – we could not have done this without them,” said Les. On May 16, exactly 1,188 kilometres from the starting line they had left ten days earlier, the riders pedalled triumphantly into Longreach to complete their journey.
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Les summed up what the BCI Ride West was all about; “It was a bunch of ordinary people, individually and collectively doing a lot of hard work for fundraising and then having great fun on a very enjoyable outback experience and individually achieving personal goals that come with completing such a challenge.” Les’ original goal was to raise $75,000 for the RFDS and he and his team have been overwhelmed by the level of support the event has received, resulting in a total of over $140,000 raised to date with donations still coming in. Les has already been asked when the 2011 Ride West will take place with several participants from this year signing on to take part again next year. The RFDS would like to sincerely thank Les, all the riders, the support crew and all the volunteers, sponsors and donors who made the BCI Ride West 1000 such a great success. If you would like to organise a fundraising event within your community, please contact Mike Greasley, Community Fundraising Coordinator, on 07 4040 0143, or email: mgreasley@rfdsqld.com.au
It was a bunch of ordinary people, individually and collectively doing a lot of hard work for fundraising and then having great fun on a very enjoyable outback experience.
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