A nurse from the small community of Jericho, Lesley was praised for her complete selflessness when it came to delivering the highest level of care to anyone who walked through her door, including from time to time, the odd family pet.
The award was presented to Lesley in front of hundreds of guests at the RFDS Wings for Life Gala Ball in Brisbane last night.
She was chosen out of the nine recipients of the 2017 RFDS Local Hero Awards from around the state, announced on Flying Doctor Day on May 19 this year.
Lesley is the inaugural winner of the award, which comes with a $5000 grant donated on behalf of Ergon Energy Retail to be used by the winner to improve the health outcomes for people living in their community.
Lesley said she planned on using the money to help the seniors living in Jericho connect with their family and friends.
"This is definitely a highlight of my career," Lesley said. "I can't believe it."
"Our local school is letting the older people in Jericho use its computers to stay in touch with their family friends.
"Social isolation is a real issue for these people, and by using the $5000 grant I will be able to hire someone to come in and teach these people how to use the technology to reach out and connect with their loved ones."
Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) CEO, Nino Di Marco said Lesley's commitment to the people of Jericho embodied the Spirit of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
"Each and every one of the nine Local Hero Award recipients here tonight has done an incredible job supporting the Flying Doctor," Mr Di Marco said.
"Without their support, and through their incredible selflessness such as that shown by Lesley, we would not be able to continue the work we do throughout Queensland."
Energy Queensland CEO, David Smales said Ergon Energy Retail, as part of the Energy Queensland Group was proud to be able to help Lesley continue her dedicated work for her community.
"The Flying Doctor plays such a big role in the rural and remote communities of Queensland, and to be able to help them acknowledge and thank the supporters of the Service, such as Lesley, who go above and beyond the call of duty, is a real honour," Mr Smales said.
"We are thrilled to be able to present Lesley with this $5000 grant, which we are sure she will use to continue the amazing work she already does for the people of Jericho."
