Earlier this year, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria announced that it will be expanding its Community Transport service into eight new sites across Victoria. Following extensive research and community consultation, RFDS Victoria is pleased to confirm a new partnership with Yarriambiack Shire Council to bring the Flying Doctor Community Transport service to the community of Warracknabeal and surrounds.
Flying Doctor Community Transport has been successfully operating in Heathcote since 2018, and in Rochester since 2021. The free service offers eligible community members transportation to health appointments and social group activities, utilising a team of highly trained volunteer drivers from within the local community.
This service expansion is supported by Western Victoria Primary Health Network, Murray Primary Health Network and Gippsland Primary Health Network under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program. RFDS Victoria will also be working closely with Rural Northwest Health (RNH), who have endorsed the service.
“Flying Doctor Community Transport is a community-based service that aims to ensure better physical health, better mental health and better social connection for all rural Victorians,” says Jocelyn Syme, Health Service Manager for RFDS Victoria. “The service has been whole-heartedly embraced by the communities of Heathcote and Rochester, and we hope the service will be welcomed in the same way by the people of Warracknabeal and its surrounding towns.”
Warracknabeal will now join Numurkah as the first two new Community Transport sites to be developed as part of this program expansion.
To find out more about Flying Doctor Community Transport and this new partnership with Yarriambiack Shire Council, please call 1300 887 678 or email communitytransport@rfdsvic.com.au. More information will be shared as the service commences over the next few months.
