going the distance · going the distance is the official fundraising newsletter of the royal flying...

The official newsletter of the Royal Flying Doctor Service VictoriaOCTOBER 2016

Going the DistanceVICTORIA >

Contents

RFDS to the rescue p3

Alive for Father’s Day p4

G’day from Charlton p7

On the road with Tom p9

Alison cares for the future p10

2 GOING THE DISTANCE > OCTOBER 2016

Chief Executive’s message

Cover: Grazier Michael Tomlinson held baby Libby, as he and his wife Anna Tomlinson celebrated his first Father’s Day last September. Three years earlier the Flying Doctor rescued him following a helicopter crash.

In this edition of your newsletter I want to thank you for being on a journey with us, allowing us to ‘go the distance’. I know that sounds cliché, particularly as it’s our mission to deliver care far and wide, by road and air. However, it really does summarise the effort we have been making to support a healthier population across all of Victoria. We can do this because of you. Thank you.

Over the past five years our services have expanded and we continue to grow to reach more Victorians with quality health care services. By November our Victorian team will be made up of 420 staff – providing a range of programs and services across the state. This expansion is not just providing services but also employment in many regional areas.

Let me share with you the type of dedicated people that make all the difference to those we serve.

Recently, a terminally ill patient, Mrs Roberts was being transported on a short trip from a metropolitan hospital to palliative care when she asked our patient care crew if she could visit her garden one last time. This meant a two hour detour for the crew, travelling extra kilometres and extending their shift.

I’m proud to say that with respect, care and compassion, our crew obliged, taking Mrs Roberts to her home for one last time, despite fearing they could be in trouble for extending their duty.

Mrs Roberts sat in her garden, joined by our staff, sharing her memories and her lifetime of pleasures for one last time. When I learnt of this story I was humbled, as I often am, by the actions of our staff.

I am also very proud of Victorian RFDS staff who contribute to support the Flying Doctor through workplace giving which last year totalled over $22,000. One staff member donated more than $7,500 from his wages.

Another staff member, Major Glenn Todhunter, shared his story with guests of the recent Going the Distance Dinner in August, bringing many to tears. His will to go on following a plane crash was inspiring. Not only did Glenn become the first and only amputee aviator in the history of the Australian Defence Force, he now has a successful career as an RFDS pilot, saving lives.

In this edition you will read of the challenges faced by Michael Tomlinson who was rescued three years ago by the Flying Doctor. He is now a father and recently celebrated his first Father’s Day. As a father myself, I am so pleased the RFDS was there for Michael. We were there because you are there for us, and we will go the distance because we care, we are passionate and we are proud of our work.

Thank you for your valuable support.

Scott ChapmanChief Executive RFDS Victoria

Going the Distance is the official fundraising newsletter of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria.

This newsletter is produced three times a year to provide information and give acknowledgement to our supporters across the state.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria PO Box 7027, Richmond VIC 3121 T 03 8412 0400 F 03 9429 8311 E [email protected] > www.flyingdoctor.org.au

3OCTOBER 2016 > GOING THE DISTANCE

The RFDS Mobile Patient Care team are used to providing the highest quality service possible; however, when two staff witnessed a car crash near Pakenham, the unfortunate occupants of the vehicles were pleased that the RFDS was first on the scene to provide assistance.

RFDS staff Katherine Knight and Bernie Patterson administered first aid, assisting the crash victims who were in shock, keeping them calm until Ambulance Victoria arrived.

The appreciative patients later wrote to their local paper thanking the RFDS crew and other first responders who came to their aid.

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas while supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Our 2016 Christmas catalogue has something for everyone, including our popular ‘Gift of Life’ cards which support vital services with a tax deductible donation to the Flying Doctor.

To view the full range of RFDS Victoria 2016 Christmas gifts, please visit www.rfdsvic.myshopify.com or call us on 1300 669 569 to place an order or receive a catalogue in the post.

Christmas is coming >

Garden and Library tea towel RFDS 2017 Calendar

This stunning calendar is back and is one of our most popular Christmas gifts.

Flying Doctor Christmas card

Pack of 10 with envelopes

This original design depicts the Flying Doctor delivering a touch of Christmas cheer to Outback Australia.

If you or a friend is in need of a reminder to relax this Christmas, here it is.

$16

NEW DESIGN

$9

$18

RFDS to the rescue


You helped Michael make it to his first Father’s Day

Grazier Michael Tomlinson celebrated his first Father’s Day last September. Three years earlier he was fighting for his life.

Living in the farming community of Neville, on 14 January, 2013, in the blistering heat, 27-year-old Michael Tomlinson was mustering cattle from a helicopter on his family property near Augathella, some 750 kilometres west of Brisbane, when he experienced engine trouble.

“I made an emergency landing in a little erosion gully.”

“Because I still had a bit of pace on board the skid wedged into the soil and rolled the machine over. The fuel tank split and it exploded, while I was still inside.

“I quickly realised I had to get out of there, so I jumped out and ran across to a water hole that was about a kilometre away.

“I sat there for about an hour before my brother eventually found me and raised the alarm.”

Michael’s brother had seen the crash and rode a motorbike to the site. When he reached the wreckage there was no sign of his brother and he began searching the area.

“That’s when I yelled out to him. Because burns take time to develop, I looked okay so I said to him, “Don’t worry I am not going to cark it but it would be pretty good to get some help,” Michael explains.

On receiving the emergency call, the RFDS pilot knew that the airstrip on the property was too short to land, so an ambulance was dispatched to get Michael and RFDS met them at Augathella hospital.

Without the Flying Doctor it would have taken eight hours by road to get me to a Brisbane hospital, 10 with the current roadworks and at that time of the year the roads are often closed due to flooding so I am not even sure that they would have been able to get through.

Dr Charles Ellis and Flight Nurse Mark Davis were on duty at the RFDS base in Charleville and flew to Augathella, in just 12 minutes, arriving at the hospital about five minutes before the patient.

Left: Michael on his bike.Above: Landing the helicopter before the accident. Below: Anna and Michael smile after a joy flight.


“When we got there it was quite clear that he had burns to around 70 per cent of his body,” Dr Ellis remembers. “Somebody with burns to that degree – it’s pretty scary and you need to make sure you do all the right things for them to give them every chance of surviving.”

Severe damage to the skin can result in multi-organ failure and correct early treatment is vital to increasing the survival and recovery rate of a burns victim. After discovering Michael had a croaky voice, Dr Ellis was concerned that burnt tissue near his airways could swell and restrict breathing.

With Michael’s body starting to shutdown, the RFDS team worked with the hospital staff to sedate Michael and insert a tube to protect his airway. They also needed to use an EZ-IO device to gain vascular access. He was given fluids, antibiotics and tetanus to guard against infection.

Dr Ellis spoke to Michael’s dad to tell him how grave the situation was and to promise him that he would “do all he could to give him every chance”.

Dr Ellis had a nervous flight as Michael’s heart rate remained quite high over the almost two-hour trip to Brisbane and the appropriate fluid intake was critical. Fluid loss can cause renal damage and too much fluid could result in respiration complications.

“It’s quite a balancing act” and Dr Ellis sought advice from the specialists at the burns unit while on route.

After, six weeks in an induced coma, 16 major operations and almost four months in hospital, Michael is back working on the property.

He has to ensure he regularly stretches and massages the scars to ensure they don’t

contract.

Michael does not remember much of the flight or the names

of “the Flying Doctor guys”.

I am sure that if I didn’t have them there, I certainly wouldn’t be in the state I am in today and most likely wouldn’t be here to tell the tale. So I was pretty fortunate they were about.

You helped Michael make it to his first Father’s Day

Above: Michael wears specially designed face mask and glasses to help with scarring.Below: Regular stretching and massaging to help Michael’s movement.Right: The trough Michael ran to first after he crashed.

Michael and Libby.


This year’s Going the Distance Dinner was an evening of sharing stories with nearly 400 guests including politicians, corporate partners, suppliers, volunteers, donors and health partners.

Held on 18 August, supporters came together at the majestic Plaza Ballroom, taking part in live and silent auctions, a raffle and lucky draw – fundraising to keep the Flying Doctor flying. The event raised more than $60,000 thanks to generous guests.

Keynote speaker Major Glenn Todhunter moved attendees to tears with his inspiring story of courage to regain his career following the amputation of both legs below the knee.

In 1995 Glenn Todhunter was a young, ambitious army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who had everything to live for: a great job and an exciting new relationship with Michelle, the woman he would eventually marry. His life changed dramatically in an instant when he was involved in an ultralite flying accident that left him and his friend, Jeff, close to death.

As a result of the accident Glenn lost both of his legs and faced the prospect of never being able to walk again unassisted, let alone be in control of

an aircraft. After many painful months of rehabilitation, Glenn (with his two prosthetic legs fitted) was walking independently and had reacquired his drivers’ licence without the use of hand controls.

With the support of Michelle and a burning desire to fly again, he was back in the air just 18 months after the accident being assessed for his civil pilots’ licence. Glenn said that being back at the controls again was like getting out of the wheelchair for the first time. He finally felt like he was free.

Glenn went on to become the first and only amputee aviator in the history of the Australian Defence Force. He now has a successful career as an RFDS pilot, saving people’s lives.

An evening of inspiration

Clockwise from top left: Keynote speaker Major Glenn Todhunter; RFDS Victoria Chair, Denis Henry; Master of Ceremonies John Deeks; raffle winner Ben Smith with John Deeks; Glenn and wife Michelle.


Because of you, myself and the RFDS team can make a difference to the lives of people in the bush.

G’day, I’m Dr Tom Barrett from Rosebud Dental Group. I recently spent a week working with RFDS in Charlton, helping with the Flying Doctor Dental Clinic. Like you, I’m passionate about the work of the RFDS and I want to give you an update to let you know where your support goes.

I have been a dentist for 43 years and love helping people. I really enjoy the precision required as a dentist and literally seeing people leave the clinic with a smile.

When I saw the RFDS advertising for dentists to help the Flying Doctor Dental Clinic I had to apply.

During my week in Charlton I saw 33 patients. The days were full as we offered care to a range of clients including children and elderly patients. I enjoyed providing treatment to patients in their own town, so they didn’t have to travel long distances. It’s hard for older patients and children with special needs to travel. It was great to see how calm the kids were in the clinic because it was quiet and peaceful.

I have worked in other mobile units but the Flying Doctor Dental Clinic is the best I have worked in so far. It’s so well thought out. It has easy access – particularly for people with mobility issues. It’s the only mobile dental clinic I have seen with wheel chair access. In fact, one of our patients required mobility access today and it was great to see how easy she could enter the clinic.

The equipment in the clinic is first rate. There has been no compromising on equipment. The chair is standard with all the ‘bells and whistles’ you would expect.

There is excellent infection control and I can’t speak highly enough of Steffi, the RFDS Dental Assistant. She has been excellent. She knows everything backwards and has been able to give me great support.

I was really proud to work with the Flying Doctor in Charlton and you can be proud that you are supporting an organisation that provides quality health care to deserving people across the state and all of Australia. Good on you.

Cheers, Dr Tom Barrett

Dr Tom chimes in from Charlton

Dr Tom Barrett in the Flying Doctor Dental Clinic.


Don’t miss this special Flying Doctors event >

Join us for the RFDS Annual General Meeting Forum and John Flynn Luncheon.

The Board of the RFDS Victoria warmly invite all Royal Flying Doctor Service supporters to join us to mark the anniversary of the birth of our founder, the Reverend John Flynn, on 23 November at our Annual General Meeting Forum and John Flynn Luncheon.

Sunrise host and popular journalist Natalie Barr will be our special keynote speaker. Having used the service twice, including saving her son, Natalie will talk about her experience with the RFDS.

We invite you to enjoy a day with fellow RFDS supporters, meet staff, volunteers and Board members, while sharing the latest news and information about the Flying Doctor.

Our Annual General Meeting Forum is free to attend and open to all supporters. It allows guests to learn about our latest initiatives as well as achievements over the past year.

The John Flynn Luncheon will be MC’d by RFDS Public Affairs Manager Annette Allison and will include the presentation of the Bernice Jenkins Volunteer and Outstanding Contributions awards. Popular television journalist, Natalie Barr, will be guest speaker, sharing her stories of calling upon the services of the Flying Doctor.

Date: Wednesday 23 November 2016

Time: Annual General Meeting Forum 10.15am – 11.45am, Level 2, RACV City Club John Flynn Luncheon 12.00pm – 2.30pm, Level 17, RACV City Club

Venue: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Cost: Annual General Meeting Forum is free to attend, andteaandcoffeewillbeserved

John Flynn Luncheon is $100 per person, includingatwocourselunchwithbeverages

RSVP: Wednesday 16 November unless booked out prior

Bookings are available online at www.flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/events or via the form below. For further information contact RFDS Victoria on (03) 8412 0400.

Name:

Phone no.

Address:

YES! I’d like to attend the RFDS Victoria Annual General Meeting Forum

YES! I’d like to attend the RFDS Victoria John Flynn Luncheon

ticket/s at $100 per ticket $ORI/We are unable to attend but wish to make a tax deductible donation of: $

I/We would like a copy of the Annual Report sent to me

Enclosed is my cheque payable to RFDS Victoria

Or Visa MasterCard AMEX

Name on card:

Card Number:

Expiry: Signature:

Guest name: Dietary requirements (if any):1.

2.

Please return with your payment to: Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria PO Box 7027, Richmond VIC 3121 T 03 8412 0400 E [email protected] > www.flyingdoctor.org.au

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Our life-sized aeromedical simulator visited Warrnambool East Primary School in August as part of the RFDS Education Program, Look Up in the Sky!

What made this visit extra special was that it was the second time the Flying Doctor had swooped in on Jaq Hogg. According to his mum, Jaq wouldn’t be alive today without the Flying Doctor.

Jaq, who is in Grade 3, was rescued by the RFDS when he arrived in the world prematurely.

“The RFDS had to come to Mt Gambia when Jaq came early. The doctor kept him alive by keeping his heart pumping, pressing his chest with a thumb,” said Jaq’s Mum, Alana Hogg.

Jaq and his class mates experienced the life-size RFDS replica plane that measures almost 5 metres long. Jaq’s Dad, Chilli, climbed on board too.

On the road with Captain Tom Ryan

The Flying Doctor swoops in on Jaq twice

Above: Jaq with his Dad, Chilli on the life sized RFDS aeromedical simulator.Right: Jaq tries a landing with the simulator.

From: Captain Tom Ryan Subject: Volunteers Date: September 2016 To: Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria

Hi there!

I just wanted you to know about the efforts put in by volunteers Judy and Campbell Sinclair last week.

They travelled to Warrnambool with me and helped deliver 21 education sessions to 480 kids across the week. We left Sunday arvo and got back Friday evening. A great effort. A highlight was them noticing a plaque in honour of a young teacher who had died of skin cancer.

The plaque was supposed to be accompanied by a tree but unfortunately the tree had died. Judy and Campbell immediately purchased another tree and donated it to the school in our name.

In one session that I was presenting, I decided to get the kids to take a vote on whether Judy and Campbell were pilots, doctors or nurses. One boy put up his hand and decided that Campbell couldn’t possibly be a pilot because he was way too old and old people aren’t allowed to drive!

What a great week!

Cheers, Tom.

Volunteer Judy Campbell shares stories with children on the aeromedical simulator.


Retired chef, Alison has a plan for the future, while she makes the most of now. As a four-wheel-driving enthusiast she feels protected by the Flying Doctor while she adventures around the outback with husband Doug. This has inspired her to plan for future generations of Australians by leaving a gift in her Will.

Doug and I are both retired and certainly don’t intend to drop off the perch yet.

I was a chef for a catering company and my husband, Doug, was in middle management for City Power. We have been retired for 16 years. We pulled out early.

We have two children, a son and daughter. Our son has three children and our daughter has two. They are all primary school age – all quite young. They keep us all busy.

I fill my time now with my 12 room doll house. I built it from scratch. I put the lights in and everything. Doug has a train room. I also knit for the grandchildren. At the moment I am knitting beanies for a charity. I have just done a bunch of beanies in red, yellow and black which will go to aboriginal communities.

We got involved with the Flying Doctor travelling around Australia. Doug and I have a fully-equipped four-wheel-drive and love to really get out there. The Flying Doctor has always been there for us. Fortunately we have never had to call upon them, but we know they are there if we need them. They are our backup.

Our children know of our support of the Flying Doctor. They know that when we are travelling we can call upon RFDS. They also know we have decided to leave a gift in our Will to the Flying Doctor too.

While the Flying Doctor provides emergency response, I like that it also offers services around the state like Mobile Patient Transport. I feel proud when I see those cars on the road. I’m especially glad that the RFDS have services up around Swan Hill and Mildura area. I grew up in Swan Hill and back then it was quite remote. Our local Melbourne dentist actually goes up there with the Flying Doctor Dental Clinic.

I think the Flying Doctor does a great job. We have

been to some very remote areas of

Australia, including the Canning Stock Route,

and people there rely on the RFDS. Without them they would

have no health care. Although I have spent most of my life in Melbourne, being born in Swan Hill, I know how important the RFDS is.

Considering leaving a gift in your Will is a lovely thing people can do. It’s very much up to the individual and everyone’s circumstances are different. There is a limit to what people can do but it’s wonderful if people can consider a charity in their Will.

In a sense it can be hard to consider your Will. No one wants to think about dying and what happens after, but you have to think ahead to a certain degree. We have done a lot of travel and seen that right on our door step there is more work to be done. We trust in the Flying Doctor and the work they do.

Alison and Doug’s gift for the future

If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will, we welcome you to contact Donor Relations Manager Naomi Lehrer. Phone: 03 8412 0431 Email: [email protected]

Above: Doug and Alison enjoy a cuppa near Meekatharra in WA. Right: Soaking in the Kimberley sunset.Inset: Setup on 80 Mile Beach.


Tanna Bourke 26, Waterford, Victoria

Motto: Never, never give up

Fundraising goal: $6,000

I remember the first time I ever learnt about the Kokoda Trail. I instantly felt so many feelings. First was inspiration. I was so amazed and in awe of those who endured such a physically and mentally

intense situation. It absolutely blew me away that people could be pushed to their absolute limits not just physically but mentally. To have such powerful mental awareness, stability and strength is something that I think we all struggle with at the best and worst of times.

Learning to cope, to have patience and most of all to care for one another whether it’s family or within a team environment is extremely important to me.

I was so intrigued and just genuinely overwhelmed with emotions, I felt an instant need to one day conquer this Kokoda Trail and really commit to challenging myself in all forms to

become a person who is compassionate, patient and to find the courage and strength when you feel as if there is nothing left.

When I came across the amazing opportunity to do the Kokoda Trail and raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service I was hooked! What better way to tick off the Kokoda Trail from my bucket list than do it for a much-needed organisation such as the Flying Doctor. The RFDS is an organisation which really molds into our Australian culture as we are an outback country in which we desperately need outback services, one of those being the RFDS.

The Aussie way is helping others and I believe I can raise $6,000 thanks to the generosity of the Australian people.

I’m raising the funds for much needed materials such as heart monitors and portable ultrasound machines.

Tammi Saunders 55, Marcus Hill, Victoria

Motto: If the opportunity is there, go for it.

Fundraising goal: $10,000

I’m a former Army Nurse, grandmother to six and currently working in a regional medical clinic.

My partner Shane and I are members of the Australian Off Road Racing community which takes us to remote locations around Australia. The risks involved in this sport are high and occasionally there are accidents.

On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve 2012, Shane was driving his buggy on the sand dunes in Portland when he had a serious accident resulting in life-threatening injuries. Once he arrived by road to Mt Gambier Hospital, it became clear he would not make the road trip to Adelaide so he was flown the remainder of the way by the RFDS.

Without their life-saving services, the aftermath of his accident would have most certainly been much worse. After many months of recovery we both reflected on the crucial role the RFDS played in ensuring Shane was with us today. This is our opportunity to give back to the RFDS and say thank you for saving his life.

In March this year my youngest granddaughter Alexa, passed away after battling a rare degenerative disease. She was only weeks shy of her first birthday. Alexa fought her illness with strength and determination and always with a smile. I hope I have even half her strength as I tackle this challenge in her memory.

Meet two trekkers of the RFDS Kokoda Challenge

Royal Flying Doctor Service Kokoda Challenge 2016

This adventure is fully booked out with departure plans set. Our trekkers are ready to take off, but it’s not too late to get behind them and help out. If you would like to donate to Tanna or Tammi please visit

www.flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/support-us-vic/

Fast Facts Impact: Keep the Flying Doctor flying

Dates: 5–15 November, 2016

Trip duration: 11 days

Challenge duration: 9 days

I would like to support the essential work of the Flying Doctor in 2016.

I authorise the Royal Flying Doctor Service to debit

$ per month from my credit card below.

Or, please find enclosed my one-off donation of $

I would like to pay by: Cheque Money order Credit Card

Credit Card payment details:

Visa MasterCard AMEX

Cardholder’s name:

Card number:

Expiry: Signature:

Please send me information about including the RFDS in my Will

I have already included a gift for the RFDS in my Will

My details:

Title: Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Phone no.

Email:

Donations $2 and over are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

Please return with your payment to: Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria PO Box 7027, Richmond VIC 3121 T 03 8412 0400 F 03 9429 8311 E [email protected] > www.flyingdoctor.org.auABN 71 004 196 230

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Calendar of events

2016We love spending time with our supporters and would like to see you at one of our events.

Bayside Auxiliary Luncheon Wednesday 6 October 2016, Beaumaris, Melbourne

Flying Doctor Rowathon Saturday 8 October 2016, Wentworth

Open Cockpit Day Sunday 9 October 2016, Moorabbin Airport

Melbourne Marathon Festival Sunday 16 October 2016, Melbourne

Drive 4x4 The Doc Wednesday 9 November to Sunday 13 November 2016, Marysville to San Remo

City2Sea Sunday 20 November 2016, Melbourne

RFDS Victoria Annual General Meeting Forum and John Flynn Luncheon Wednesday 23 November 2016, RACV City Club, Melbourne

For more information about any of our events, please call us on (03) 8412 0400.

Join our Ground Crew >We invite you to challenge yourself

as part of our Ground Crew.

BE PART OF THE CREW

Have fun and help out while going the distance in the Melbourne Marathon Festival or City2Sea as part of the RFDS Ground Crew. Gain the satisfaction of crossing the line knowing you’ve conquered more than the course. You’ll also get:

• This year’s official crew running top (available once you’ve signed up to an event).

• Access to the Ground Crew marquee – your space to relax, grab some refreshments and recover after all that running.

For more details visit www.groundcrew.org.au

going the distance · going the distance is the official fundraising newsletter of the royal flying...

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