The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) has announced Russell Postle as its new Chairman.
Mr Postle has taken over from retiring Chairman, Mark Gray, who served in the role from 2011 – 2013, and again from 2016 – 2019.
Mr Gray announced he would be stepping down from the Chairman’s position at the RFDS (Queensland Section) annual general meeting in 2019.
Among numerous highlights and achievements during his tenure, Mr Gray oversaw the introduction of the strategic plan in 2018; the visit to Cairns Base by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games; and the incorporation of the RFDS Foundation, encouraging greater long-term philanthropic support for the RFDS in perpetuity.
He was also Chairman when the new Bundaberg Aeromedical Base was approved and when construction began, with the project due for completion in early 2020.
“These are just a few notable events during my tenure that come to mind. There have been many outstanding milestones for the RFDS in Queensland and I’m sure there will be many more to come,” Mr Gray said.
“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside RFDS Board Directors, the Leadership Team and, of course, the RFDS Staff; marvellous people who embody the spirit and the success of the organisation.
“With the hard work that has been done to put the building blocks in place, I can be confident that the RFDS (Queensland Section) will continue to go from strength to strength in providing the finest health care to the furthest corners of our vast state.”
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer, Meredith Staib said the RFDS was extremely grateful to Mr Gray for his service and leadership.
“Mark has overseen many significant milestones as our Chairman and more recently his guidance has supported us in reaffirming our organisational goals and focus as we work towards 100 years of operation,” Ms Staib said.
“On behalf of the Board and Leadership Team we thank Mark for his dedication to the RFDS in Queensland. We look forward to Mark’s further contribution as he continues on our Board of Directors at RFDS.
“I’d like to also give a warm welcome to our new Chairman, Russell Postle, who has a long and dedicated history of service to the RFDS Board.”
Russell Postle served on the Board from 1987 to 1990 and was re-appointed to the Board in 1994. He is currently Chairman of the RFDS (Queensland Section) Finance and Audit Committee. Up until June 2017 Russell was a Partner at BDO and has experience providing audit, business advisory and specialist taxation consulting services to a wide range of clients and industries.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Board member, Michael Burnett, will assume the role of Deputy Chair, which was previously held by Russell Postle
