Despite challenging COVID-19 restrictions during the back end of 2021, RFDS Auxiliaries and Support Groups together with the wider community went above and beyond to help keep the Flying Doctor flying.
Golf Classic attracts Australians from all corners
Over the past three decades, the biennial North Moolooloo Golf Classic has raised $200,000 for the RFDS.
Hosted at the North Moolooloo Station, 430 kilometres north of Adelaide, the Golf Classic attracts Australians from far and wide.
During the 2021 October long weekend, around 150 participants competed for the coveted trophy, battling the dust, wind, flies, graded fairways, unforgiving rough and tricky “greens”.
The Golf Classic’s continued success is due to the excellent organisation and hospitality of the Ferguson family and the enthusiastic support of the attendees.
In addition to the entry fees for the event, the Fergusons ran a raffle and an auction raising a total of $30,000 in 2021.
Photo: The Golf Classic's "tricky greens".
Off-road outback organisers call it a day
Since 2004, the Campbelltown Rotary Outback Experience, a week-long 4WD adventure, has raised more than $305,000 for the RFDS, including $34,000 in 2021.
The teams have conquered all corners of South Australia, from Cook in the far west to Tibooburra in the east, through to the APY Lands and the Riverland.
While each escapade brought different landscapes and terrains, the goal of raising much-needed funds for the Flying Doctor remained the same.
With organisers Malcolm and Valerie Hansen hanging up the boots, 2021 concludes the event and its support of the RFDS. A big thank you to Mal and Val for their incredible contribution over the years.
Meat with approval
Formed in 1992, the Adelaide Beer and Beef Club has around 100 members who come together for a luncheon each month, raising funds for a charity of choice.
After COVID-19 interrupted their monthly lunches in 2020, the group kindly committed to another year of fundraising for the RFDS.
As a dedicated ‘steakholder’, they raised $11,000 for the Flying Doctor over the last two years ($3,000 in 2020 and $8,000 in 2021).
Fleurieu fundraiser hit for six
It was an honour for the RFDS Fleurieu Support Group to have South Australian cricket legend and retired Adelaide Oval Curator Les Burdett OAM guest speak at a dinner fundraiser in November.
With $7,000 raised on the night, the legendary pitch whisperer entertained the crowd with old cricket stories, as well as sharing his own personal experience with the Flying Doctor.
In 2017, Les was airlifted from Berri to Adelaide to treat an injury he acquired while on holiday in the Riverland.
“The Flying Doctor to me are angels in the sky. I’ve always had the highest amount of respect for what they do,” he said.
“I think the Flying Doctor and anyone in the medical community are just brilliant people.”
Throughout 2021, the RFDS Fleurieu Support Group raised $30,000 and doubled their membership to 70 people.
Raising the record
Congratulations to all RFDS volunteers and community fundraisers for their amazing commitment and efforts in supporting the vital work of the Flying Doctor in 2021, collectively raising almost $850,000 for the RFDS.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, many of our Support Groups celebrated record fundraising years, which is simply incredible.
Are you part of an event, club or group that's interested in fundraising this year? Learn more about how you can help keep the Flying Doctor flying.
