“As the saying goes, if not you then who, if not now, then when,” Prudence Barwick, Bundaberg local said.
As a kid growing up in regional Queensland, Prudence knew of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS), but she didn’t know how much the people closest to her would rely on it.
Now, as an RFDS Ambassador and a passionate community member, she is committed to helping the Service however she can.
The Bundaberg region has a lot to offer. With beautiful beaches along the coastline and vast areas to explore, this community can enjoy life, knowing that excellent medical care is readily available when needed.
“We can have the lifestyle and space to enjoy our region, but a direct link to the capital city and extended services when needed,” Prudence said.
“To know that we have 24 hour a day service to support our residents and visitors in the region get to medical care when needed is a nice reassuring back-up to have.”
As a resident living in regional, rural and remote Queensland, you don’t have to look far to find someone with a connection to the RFDS.
If not within your family, it could be your friends or neighbours who have needed to use the service at some point in their lives.
For Prudence, she doesn’t have to look far.
Both her parents relied on the Flying Doctor to receive urgent medical assistance.
“My father was a patient transfer from Rockhampton to Brisbane for heart surgery and his trip with the RFDS was most certainly a lot quicker than our drive along the Bruce Highway,” Prudence said.
“I remember the communication with the family was fantastic, we were advised of when he was being moved, what would happen at each end, and what time he would be arriving at the hospital in Brisbane.
“If you or your family need to be in Brisbane ASAP, then the wonderful team at RFDS can make that happen.”
The RFDS Bundaberg Base, which opened in 2002, operates as an emergency retrieval base, incorporating aeromedical retrieval and inter-hospital transfer services. In the last financial year, the Bundaberg Base transported over 2000 patients and flew over 780,000kms.
Last year, Prudence was nominated to be an RFDS Ambassador, alongside fellow Bundaberg local Tanya O’Shea.
“It has been a very proud honour to have,” she said.
“Over the years I have managed to find a number of ways to support the RFDS, from taking part in the Oceans to Outback challenge with my blue dogs to leaving a Gift in Will from my estate.
“I’m so happy to see that my old primary school are also great supporters of the RFDS.
Childers State School were the Bundaberg region RFDS Local Heros for 2024, acknowledging their fantastic initiative in fundraising for the Flying Doctor. You can read their story here.
Thanks to the dedication of locals and supporters like Prudence, the impact of the Flying Doctor will continue for generations to come.
“The RFDS is more than just a service in Bundaberg—it’s a vital part of the community, offering peace of mind and lifesaving care whenever it’s needed, and I am excited for what is next for the RFDS in Bundaberg.”
Join the RFDS for a relaxed afternoon of family fun at Picnic with the Planes - RFDS Bundaberg Base on Saturday 10 May. Tickets and more information can be found here.
