Page 16 - Sphere No.22 (Aug 2008)

14 SPHERE
the overall health of people in these communities.”
The RFDS identified a gap in the provision of this kind of in-
formation in remote communities and, just as importantly, the
resource commitment needed to make a real difference.
RFDS Central Operations CEO, John Lynch, says: “It was one is-
sue to identify the need for the project and then another to obtain
the financial resources to implement a meaningful programme.
“The contribution of the Li Ka Shing Foundation is truly ex-
traordinary. This area of proactive health promotion will become
an increasingly important priority for the RFDS.”
Each person involved will be regularly monitored to assess
changes in their condition and be provided with guidance and
support to encourage on-going commitment to the programme.
In Australia, significant differences exist in the health status of
Australians living in remote areas versus those in metropolitan
areas, and also between Aboriginal versus non-Aboriginal Austra-
lians. Reducing these differences is a priority for this programme.
By addressing a range of obesity-related issues, improved
health outcomes anticipated include reduced complications of
diabetes, improved blood pressure control and reduced levels
of cardio-vascular disease. These outcomes
will support the broader aims of the Flying
Doctor to improve health through enhanced
preventative health care programmes.
Before the Foundation became involved
in the programme, Mr Tulloch spent two
days visiting the remote communities. “The
communities were surprisingly deprived
and there was a real sense of isolation,” he
says. “With red earth everywhere, the people can’t grow any-
thing. It was an eye-opener to see the challenges, including
health challenges, of people living out there, trying to live in
traditional ways.
“These communities are just crying out for progress. There are
lifestyle issues like malnutrition. I kept wondering how this could
happen in an affluent country like Australia.”
Mr Tulloch says he came away convinced it was necessary and
important for health initiatives to be introduced. “It’s basic stuff we
are talking about but it’s important and makes a difference to a lot
of people. The cycle needs to be broken,” he says.
He was immediately attracted to the reputation and track record
of the Flying Doctor in delivering Outback “miracles.” “I saw the
strengthof theRFDS to thesewider communities. It’s not just about
treating broken legs, but lifestyle, exercise, and diet,” he says.
For the second time in the past four years, the Flying Doctor has
been awarded the title of Australia’s Most Trusted Charity in an in-
dependent national survey conducted by Reader’s Digest magazine.
“I think there is a heartfelt belief out there in the community
that the RFDS can always be relied upon and this is reflected in the
survey results,” says Mr Lynch. “We may not be the most promi-
nent organisation in terms of everyday public exposure, but our
crews are always there – 24 hours, every day of the year, come rain
or shine.”
PHOTOS: RIGHT, THE AUSTRALIAN;
TOP LEFT & RIGHT, THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE
t’s not just about treating broken legs, I