In celebration of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) 15-year partnership with Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), the public was invited to help name a RFDS aircraft.
Four names were selected for public voting: Drover, Dibbil (the Turrubul word for eagle), Sunnie (inspired by the Sunshine State), and Cribbie (a nod to Cribb Island, now part of Brisbane Airport).
By a landslide, the winner was… Drover!
The name Drover is celebrated for its significant role in outback Australia and its history as a RFDS aircraft, making it a cherished name for many.
The DHA-3 Drovers were a part of the RFDS (Queensland Section) fleet in the 1950s and 60s and remained in operation up until the Beechcraft Queen Air aircraft were acquired.
In a heartfelt letter to the RFDS (Queensland Section), 92-year-old Max expressed his personal connection to ‘Drover’ and his gratitude for the Service.
“Your service saved my life in the early 50s when I was a young stockman lying in mud and rain with a burst appendix,” Max wrote.
“The pilot of the ‘Drover’ displayed heroic skills and courage with three landing attempts, the last of which was successful, becoming the last plane able to land at the station for six weeks!
“He then navigated through the storm to reach the ‘Curry’ and the doctors.
“The doctors later told me I had only two hours left to live when we landed.
“I am forever grateful to the RFDS for giving me a second chance at life.
As one of the most decentralised states in Australia, with more people living outside the capital city than within it, connecting regional, rural, and remote communities across Queensland is incredibly important.
The partnership between RFDS (Queensland Section) and Brisbane Airport has been instrumental in connecting communities across Queensland with urgent and specialist care.
As demand for our services continues to grow each year, our collaboration with Brisbane Airport Corporation is increasingly vital in our endeavour to provide the finest care to the furthest corner.
We look forward to continuing our shared commitment to supporting Queenslanders in the future.
