We at the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia pay homage and extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal family on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been a trusted and guiding light over the last century.
In 1954 Her Majesty visited our Broken Hill base to receive an address from a remote homestead 300 miles away at Lake Eyre, and at that time she spoke of the fortitude, courage, humour and friendliness of the men, women and children who chose to create homes in the Australian Outback.
If anyone has proven that they have these qualities it is Her Majesty herself, who has been on the throne for seven decades and who has been an inspiring presence with her grace, decency and caring warmth.
We thank her for the 1954 gift of the Royal charter for our organisation, and thank her also for the support that we have received from her and the extended Royal family over the decades.
We wish King Charles III health and happiness as he takes on his new role.
