For more than 25 years the RFDS Dubbo Support Group (DSG) has been fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and now they have now turned the first sod on an exciting new project.
Since 1999, the DSG has raised approximately $15 million for the Flying Doctor, fitting out the hangar at the Dubbo base, assisting with equipment for planes, and funding patient transport vehicles among their many contributions.
Along the way the DSG were instrumental in raising funds for our Mobile Education Unit (MEU), a six-metre-long aircraft cabin on wheels, that is fitted out as an exact replica of the inside of an RFDS aircraft. DSG volunteers continue to take the MEU to shows and events all around NSW to help raise awareness of our work and collect donations. To ensure the MEU continues to look its best, the DSG has now provided funding to the RFDS to build a purpose-built shelter for it to be stored in between events.
“The MEU has been an incredible way to connect to communities, promote the services offered by the RFDS and help raise funds to support the organisation,” DSG President Jeanette Hamilton said.
The MEU is in high demand, and you can find the life-size replica at many country events in Western and Far Western NSW, or hosting school groups at the Dubbo base.
“Being able to build a cover for the MEU has been our aim, to preserve an important asset and continue to help us collect money that stays in our region.”
RFDS South Eastern Section CEO, Greg Sam, said the MEU shelter would be a welcome addition to the list of contributions made by the DSG.
“As a charity that relies on the generosity of the community to deliver healthcare services to people in rural and remote communities, giving people the opportunity to meet our team and experience a little of what we do is critical. Along with our Visitor Experiences at Dubbo and Broken Hill, the Mobile Education Unit is a great way to showcase the work and the rich history of the Flying Doctor,” Greg said.
“We’re extremely grateful to have had the incredible support of the Dubbo Support Group for so long, and we’re excited that they are assisting to give the MEU a permanent home here at the Dubbo base.”
Work is expected to begin on the shelter soon, but in the meantime the MEU will continue to travel to events including Dubbo Motorfest at Dubbo Showground on Saturday, August 31.
