The challenges of life on remote stations in Queensland’s Channel Country seem trivial when you’re doing what you love with the people you love. John Tully wouldn’t trade his life for anything different, but without the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), he may not be here today.
John understands the crucial role of the RFDS in outback isolated communities from several firsthand experiences.
As a young boy, he watched as the Flying Doctor performed emergency surgery on his father after he suffered a severe blow to the head from a windmill accident.
“There was blood everywhere, he looked awful,” John said.
John’s mother had a lot on her plate, managing the household and teaching the kids through the RFDS School of the Air.
“My mother was very busy and was looking for some domestic help,” John said.
“That’s when I interviewed Wendy for the position – my now wife.
“As they say, the rest is history.”
Together, John and Wendy went on to manage their own stations and experienced the joys and stresses of life on the land.
The arrival of their children brought immense joy, but any pregnancy complications relied on the support of the Flying Doctor, as the nearest medical centre was a daunting five-hour drive away.
When Wendy faced a threatened miscarriage with their daughter Christine, an urgent call to the Flying Doctor ensured she was transported to Charleville, where she safely delivered the baby.
“Wendy and I had eight sons and two daughters,” John said.
“Our boys were very active and adventurous, always pushing the boundaries, which caused many accidents.”
While out on his bike at the station, John’s son Ian didn’t make it back to the gate, which was very unusual.
“We found him hardly breathing, with a mouth full of dirt and deeply unconscious.
“We met the ambulance and the RFDS flew him to Brisbane where he spent over two months in hospital before regaining consciousness.
“Thankfully, he was able to be conscious for the birth of our granddaughter, Anna.
“After months of rehabilitation, he recovered more or less completely.”
Much like his own children, John was also one to push boundaries.
Both John and Wendy are pilots and of their ten children, five followed in their footsteps. John was experienced in aerial mustering, which was a demanding task with significant risks.
In 2001, while aerial mustering, John collided with a powerline and crashed his aircraft, leaving him in a critical condition. The nearest town and the Flying Doctor were called for help.
John survived after being resuscitated twice and receiving eight units of blood.
“It was only after the RFDS landed in Charleville to refuel and take on six units of blood that the nurse could tell Wendy I was stable,” John said.
“So yes, life is precious, and it would be precarious without the RFDS.
“The term ‘mantle of safety’ might be a cliché, but it is truly accurate.”
John’s son, Nick Tully is a valued member of the RFDS (Queensland Section) Charleville team and recently celebrated over a decade as an RFDS Pilot.
“Having grown up in the outback and experienced firsthand the worry and anxiety of a loved one’s traumatic accident in a remote setting, I understand deeply how vital the RFDS is for the people of the bush,” Nick said.
“I hope that my life and work experience, even in a small way, can make a difference for those who call the outback home, and that the ‘mantle of safety’ remains in place for those who need it for many years to come.”
John is immensely proud of Nick and the critical support he now provides to families across Queensland’s outback.
“Wendy was pregnant with Nick when she learnt to fly, so perhaps that had some effect on his innate ability,” John said.
“Not only is he a skilled pilot, but he’s also very personable and able to handle all aspects of the RFDS.
“We couldn’t be prouder.”
