Valued corporate partner Senex Energy has extended its support for the RFDS Central Operations to $1 million with a further three-year major sponsorship.
The energy company is making another $300,000 commitment to support the ongoing operation of aircraft like the Senex-badged “flying intensive care unit” that transports up to 1,000 patients a year from remote regions to Adelaide’s major hospitals.
Senex’s contribution ensures 24/7 support for employees who work about 1,000km north of Adelaide in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin, as well as those living in and visiting rural and remote South and Central Australia.
The petroleum explorer and producer’s partnership with the RFDS began in 2013 and, with this further three-year agreement, now totals more than $1 million.
Senex Managing Director Ian Davies said the oil and gas industry had a responsibility to help people and sustain communities in areas where it operated.
“All of us at Senex are excited to be continuing our support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in bringing world-class medical care to remote communities,” Mr Davies says.
“This refreshed partnership will bring to almost a decade our joint efforts, which have resulted in more than 5,200 aeromedical missions and 6,500 patients airlifted so far.
“We thank the Flying Doctors for their unwavering dedication and service to the wellbeing of people in the Outback, including our own workers in the Cooper Basin.”
Senex also contributes to the Cooper Medivac 24 helicopter, which can transfer patients, tourists and employees – including at night – from locations to rendezvous fixed-wing RFDS aircraft and the nearest airstrip.
The Senex-badged aircraft is one of 75 the RFDS operates and has flown 420,000km throughout South Australia and beyond in its past three years including making 17 COVID-19 transfers this year requiring comprehensive PPE protocols.
It covers 52 country towns and outback locations and has been responsible for three interstate transfers of critically ill infants for life-saving cardiac surgery.
RFDS Central Operations Chairman Peter de Cure thanked Senex Energy for its valuable contribution.
“The RFDS is proud to deliver more than 50,000 episodes of health care throughout the Northern Territory and South Australia every year - that’s someone every 10 minutes,” Mr de Cure said.
“The impact of Senex’s support will reach far and wide, delivering long-lasting benefits to our rural and remote communities. The ongoing support from the entire community – including our public donors, community fundraisers, volunteers and corporate partners like Senex Energy – is critical to ensure we continue to deliver the finest care to the furthest corner.”
