The RFDS in TAS

Fred McKay Medical Student Scholarship

The Fred McKay Medical Student Scholarship was established in 1997 in honour of Rev Fred McKay, the successor to Rev John Flynn and the spiritual leader of the RFDS. 

The scholarship is delivered in partnership with the University of Tasmania and RFDS South Eastern Section and aims to encourage medical students to consider a career in rural and remote areas of Australia, especially Tasmania. 

The scholarship includes a two-week placement at the RFDS Broken Hill Base, working as an observer in RFDS aircraft. 

Robin Miller RFDS Nursing Scholarship

The Robin Miller RFDS Nursing Scholarship was established in 2013 by RFDS Tasmania in partnership with the Nursing and Midwifery program at the University of Tasmania and RFDS Central Operations. 

The scholarship provides a senior nursing undergraduate with the experience of living in remote Australia and working there with the RFDS. It gives insight into the advantages and difficulties of nursing practice in the Outback. 

The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of the late Mrs Robin Miller-Dicks (1940 – 1975). A nurse, aviatrix and RFDS pilot who single-handedly immunised thousands of Australians with an oral polio vaccine and became widely known by Aboriginal Australians as the 'Sugar-Bird Lady'.

You can read about the adventures our 2024 Robin Miller Scholarship recipient had in our latest article.

John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship

The John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship was established in 2006 for dental assistants who are studying Certificate III at TasTAFE to further their workplace skills by providing an experience of living in remote Australia and working there with the RFDS. 

The scholarship is delivered by RFDS Tasmania and supported by TasTAFE. It is dedicated to the memory of Reverend John Flynn who recognised the desperate need to provide skilled medical care to remote areas of Australia. 

The Scholarship comprises two weeks with RFDS Tasmania Dental Health Team, one week clinical work experience on King Island and one week clinical experience in Triabunna. It includes accommodation as required and return flights to King Island,