Nominations are open across Queensland for the RFDS Local Hero Awards, as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) looks to unearth
The RFDS Local Hero Awards supported by Ergon Energy Retail is now in its eighth year, having had a profound impact on many communities across the state.
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the awards provide an opportunity for the RFDS to acknowledge members of the community who enable the organisation to provide the finest care to the furthest corner.
“Our ability to deliver our services hinges on the continuing support of the communities where we operate,” Ms Staib said.
“These awards offer a way to express our gratitude for the kindness we receive from emergency services, healthcare professionals, volunteers, fundraisers, administrative personnel, and everyone who plays such a vital role."
Ms Staib also announced that the Queensland Hero will be awarded a $20,000 grant, generously provided by Ergon Energy Retail, to support a healthcare initiative in their community.
“We’re grateful to the Awards’ partner, Ergon Energy Retail, for helping us to shine a light on the unsung heroes behind the RFDS,” she said.
Ergon Energy Retail Executive General Manager Ayesha Razzaq said she was looking forward to hearing about this year’s nominees.
“This is our eighth year supporting the awards and each year we’re overwhelmed by the stories of bravery and selflessness of all the nominees,” she said.
“As a regional Queensland business we’re proud to celebrate these everyday heroes. We’re also thrilled to provide a grant to improve health and wellbeing in local communities.
“Ergon Energy Retail has a long history of supporting the RFDS, with our customers and employees raising more than $18 million for this vital service over 23 years.”
Local heroes can be nominated from anywhere across Queensland, with nominations closing on 12 December. You can nominate a hero here.
The impact of these awards has been demonstrated time and time again. The 2022 Queensland Hero Emma Jackson used her grant to start a Horse Wisdom Program on her property in the Archer River Region of Cape York.
The two-day program was successfully launched in June, offering participants the opportunity to work and communicate with horses which in turn helps to develop more control over feelings and thoughts while gaining a clearer understanding of how these affect their choices and behaviours.
“It’s wonderful to be able to embark on this program with the help of the grant from Ergon Energy Retail,” Emma Jackson said.
“These two days could really help people to have more control over feelings, be more aware of limiting thoughts and see how these affect their choices and behaviours.”
