Described by those who knew him as a quiet man, Geoffrey Carrick’s one indulgence was a can of cold beer in the evening. But behind the unassuming exterior, was a brilliant grazier and someone determined to use his wealth to help people living and working in rural Queensland.
Throughout his life, Geoffrey gave generously to the causes that mattered most to him. He would mount bullock horns on plaques for auction to raise money for the local community. He never wanted recognition; the knowledge that he was helping others was enough. Geoffrey never married and had no children. When he passed away in 2018 at the age of 73, he left half of the $9.85m proceeds of the sale of his property, Maitland Station, to the Flying Doctor.
This extraordinary gift, along with donations and gifts left in Wills, has allowed the Flying Doctor to purchase and fit-out four new clinic aircraft to our fleet - ensuring we can continue to deliver care to Queensland communities. The aircraft have now been flown to our Bases in Roma, Mount Isa and Cairns, allowing RFDS to expand the reach of our services to more rural communities. The new aircraft will also allow us to run more
overnight clinics from our Cairns, Charleville and Mount Isa Bases.
In recognition of Geoffrey’s extraordinary gift, one of the new aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air B200 based in Cairns, has been named the ‘Geoffrey Carrick’. It took
to the skies on Thursday May 9 this year, with its maiden flight including a special flypast over Geoff’s former home, Maitland Station.
Heather Stott, our Planned Giving Coordinator, explained the decision to name the aircraft after this extraordinary man. “We really wanted to show respect to Geoffrey’s memory because it’s such a substantial gift that will save lives and improve the health of so many people living in remote, rural and regional areas. Geoff was a very humble man, who thought of himself as a Queenslander helping his fellow Queenslanders.
While Geoffrey’s gift is one of the largest RFDS (Queensland Section) has ever received, it’s the combination of gifts of all sizes that allow the Flying Doctor to bring life-saving care to thousands of people across Queensland every year.
Gifts in Wills left by many generous supporters mean we reach of our services, including emergency flights and rural health clinics.
In fact, it was a gift in a Will that financed the very first Flying Doctor aircraft back in 1928.
Now, 91 years on, we are proud to honour Geoffrey and thousands like him who choose to leave a gift in their Will to the Flying Doctor. Their legacy will live on through the lives that are saved by their forethought, generosity and compassion.
If you would like to find out more about remembering RFDS in your Will, please contact Heather Stott for a confidential chat on: (07) 3852 7586 or email: hstott@rfdsqld.com.au
