Flying Doctor founder Rev. John Flynn’s legacy is to be honoured in a new way, with RFDS Victoria proudly entering into a partnership with aged care provider Ryman Healthcare. The partnership sees Ryman’s new retirement village facility in Burwood East, Melbourne, named after Flynn, along with a commitment from Ryman to sponsor the annual RFDS Victoria John Flynn Luncheon.
The decision to name the new facility after the RFDS’ founder was an obvious choice for Ryman Healthcare, with the organisation having a strong history in naming its locations after inspiring people.
“Naming our villages after outstanding people is something we’ve done for more than 30 years. First and foremost, this tradition is about honouring the contribution of that person and doing what we can to help preserve their legacy,” says Ryman Healthcare’s Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager, Debra Richardson.
“The village community becomes coloured by their character and imbued with the values that set that person apart.”
RFDS Victoria Chief Executive Scott Chapman says that the union represents a powerful display of support for John Flynn’s mission to provide excellent care, something that is still at the centre of what the RFDS does today.
“To name this incredible new facility after John Flynn is a great acknowledgement of respect for his achievements, but it also recognises the spirit of how it is done.
“We are incredibly proud with this announcement honouring not only a great Australian, but also a great Victorian.”
The announcement occurred in March of this year, with the new facility – complete with apartments, serviced apartments and an aged care centre – set to open to residents in September. Once complete, Flynn’s namesake will have capacity for approximately 430 residents.
