An extraordinary journey has not only retraced history but also raised over $120,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Daily Telegraph Editor-at-Large Matthew Benns and cartoonist Warren Brown embarked on the Birtles & Bean adventure, following the legendary 1927 trek of Australian explorer Francis Birtles, who became the first person to drive from Darwin to Melbourne in a Bean 14 Sundowner. Birtles, a pioneering motorist, adventurer, and photographer, defied the odds, navigating rugged terrain and vast distances with little infrastructure, proving that the Australian outback could be conquered by motor vehicle.
His journey remains a symbol of resilience, exploration, and the determination to push boundaries—values that continue to inspire Australians today.
Matthew and Warren’s journey honored this pioneering spirit while serving a critical purpose—raising funds to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which has been providing essential healthcare to remote and rural communities since 1928.
Their adventure captured national attention, as they faced their own challenges, from navigating harsh conditions to ensuring their historic vehicle mirrored the authenticity of Birtles’ original trek.
By successfully completing the journey, they not only celebrated Australia’s motoring and exploration history but also contributed to the future of rural healthcare, ensuring that people in the most isolated parts of the country have access to life-saving medical assistance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the celebrations in Melbourne, acknowledging the significance of their journey and its contribution to the RFDS.
“Australians are travellers. [Matthew and Warren] are the great Australian adventurers of today, but what they’ve been doing is tracing the steps of great Australian travellers and pioneers, like motoring pioneer Francis Birtles,” the Prime Minister said.
The original Birtles journey concluded in Melbourne in 1927, just a few months before the establishment of the first civilian aeromedical service in Australia, which later became the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1928.
The RFDS was founded to provide critical medical care to those living in rural and remote Australia, ensuring healthcare access regardless of location.
Matthew and Warren’s journey not only honored Birtles’ pioneering trek but also raised essential funds for the RFDS. These funds will go directly toward:
• Purchasing and maintaining critical medical equipment for emergency and primary healthcare
• Supporting road service vehicles, such as dental trucks and patient transport units
• Upgrading and maintaining aircraft to continue aeromedical operations across Australia
"We want to acknowledge that this has been for an important cause: the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
"For nearly a century, the Flying Doctor has helped Australians. I rearranged the diary to make sure I was in Melbourne for this because to me, it appeals to all the things that are great about Australia.
That sense of adventure, of history, of respect for those who come before us, and the sense that we need to contribute to make this country even better in the future. There's no better way to contribute than by raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service." said the Prime Minister.
The RFDS has been providing life-saving medical care for nearly a century. Working in partnership with the Australian Government, Primary Health Networks, Local Hospital Districts, and Aboriginal Medical Services, the RFDS continues to overcome the challenges of distance to deliver healthcare to remote communities.
With over 900 patient contacts every day, the RFDS relies on the generosity of fundraisers, donors, corporate sponsors, and volunteers to keep its services running. The support from the Birtles & Bean event will directly contribute to the ongoing delivery of critical healthcare across Australia.
The RFDS extends its sincere thanks to Matthew Benns, Warren Brown, and everyone who contributed to this initiative. Their dedication to both Australia’s history and the future of rural healthcare has made a lasting impact.
To support the RFDS and help keep the Flying Doctor in the air, visit the link below.
