Thank you and Merry Christmas

> Help us deliver the finest health care to the furthest corners of Queensland by donating today at www.flyingdoctor.org.auACN 009 663 478 ABN 80 009 663 478

Dear Supporter,

It is so heartening that I am able to write today to simply thank you for all you have done, and continue to do to assist us in providing the finest care, to the furthest corners of Queensland.

Your incredible generosity and support has been invaluable, helping our aeromedical teams deliver an outstanding 24/7 service to thousands of people living, working and travelling in rural and remote Queensland.

Indeed, when I think about how much it costs to care for over 90,000 patients every year across Queensland – all the fuel, the medical supplies and specialised equipment – it amazes me that the RFDS has come so far since its establishment over 87 years ago.

And yet, this year alone our 19 aircraft flew over 8 million kilometres, while we delivered 4,900 health clinics, 13,150 telehealth consults, 2,700 dental appointments, and flew over 11,500 patient transfers – more than 1,000 of which were emergency evacuations.

I was particularly proud of the Flying Doctor staff who worked together with their local communities to provide exceptional care to patients during two of Queensland's most difficult times this year - CycloneMarcia and the Ravenshoe Cafe disaster.

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Additionally, as drought plagues Queensland, the dedication and support shown by staff as they care for their communities during very tough times is reflective of the true heart of the Flying Doctor – and is only possible because we have your support.

You may recall we purchased two new aircraft this year, the Beechcraft King Air 350C. The first of these new aircraft will be fully-fitted out and ready for service early in the new year.

Excitingly, the 350C are big enough to fit three patient stretchers on board, so we will be able to fly more patients, faster, and over greater distances before our Pilots are required to refuel.

As we continue to replace our ageing King Air B200 aircraft over the next five years, we are beginning to transition towards the larger B350C model, due to its ability to fly from Cairns to Brisbane non-stop, which will significantly improve the outcomes for our patients.

And it’s with your support that we will be able to do this, and thus provide a lifeline to many families and communities that have no other health care options.

Thanks is also due to all those who took part in our 2015 Supporters’ Survey. We’ve now been able to go through all of the responses, and we were surprised by the number of you who have been helped personally by the RFDS.

Among the findings, one that concerned me was that a large number of supporters felt that their generous donations were only making a small difference. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of your support - it is only through your generosity that we can continue to deliver our service across Queensland.

There are many lives that have been saved because of your kindness, and countless families would join me in saying a huge THANK YOU and wishing you a joyous festive season.

As such, I thought this would be the best opportunity to provide you with an update on two of our past patients who owe their lives to the RFDS and to supporters like you.

When Shannon Smithwick’s waters broke suddenly last year, she needed the Flying Doctor to transport her from home in Blackwater to Brisbane. At only 31 weeks pregnancy with twin girls, Shannon required expert care to ensure she could safely give birth.

Now, celebrating her second Christmas with daughters Charlotte and Penny, Shannon is grateful for the help she received: “We have two beautiful, happy, healthy girls going from strength to strength. They give us, and our extended family, so much joy everyday.”

And you may remember Michael Tomlinson, who was working as a grazier on a property 700 kilometres west of Brisbane, when his helicopter engine failed forcing him to perform an emergency landing. The rough landing caused the engine to explode – engulfing Michael in flames as he jumped from the wreckage.

Thankfully he was able to get to a Turkey’s Nest full of water, but an hour passed until his brother found him and called the local ambulance.

Michael had suffered burns to almost 70% of his body and it was very unlikely he would survive the ten hour drive to Brisbane for the specialist treatment he required. So, the RFDS was called – and an aircraft was tasked to fly him to Brisbane immediately, along with all the specialised burns equipment needed to keep him alive.

After arriving in Brisbane, Michael was placed in an induced coma. And despite all odds, after four months and 16 operations Michael returned home.

Almost two years on from this accident, Michael has relocated to Toowoomba, started a new job, and married his sweetheart, Anna in February this year.

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With each contribution you make to the Flying Doctor, you are contributing to a family’s happy moment such as this.

Looking into the future, as our rural and remote communities continue to grow and we upgrade our aircraft fleet to meet the needs of our patients, there is no doubt that your support will continue to be essential.

But then, we have already come so far in our 87 years with support from people like you. We’re confident that with help from the community, together, we can continue to change lives, and save lives every day.

Thank you again, for helping us save the lives of those who live, work and travel across rural and remote Queensland. All of this is possible because of your generosity.

Warmest wishes for a happy and safe holiday season,

Nino Di Marco Chief Executive Officer Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section)