Rockhampton RFDS auxiliary raises $30K at Christmas stall

After a successful Christmas pop-up shop at Northside Plaza, the community group has now raised more than $130,000 for the live-saving service in 2022.

Members of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section Rockhampton Voluntary Auxiliary at their Northside Plaza pop-up shop.

Royal Flying Doctor Service auxiliary volunteers raised more than $30,000 at their Christmas pop-up shop, bringing the total donations for the year to a jaw-dropping $130,000.

The Northside Plaza stall ran for six weeks in the lead-up to the festive season, with handmade crafts and gifts.

Volunteers raised $30,546 through sales and donations for the non-profit aeromedical organisation.

RFDS Rockhampton Voluntary Auxiliary member Rose Swadling said she was incredibly grateful to those who supported the store or made donations.

“Many of the auxiliary, including myself, have a close connection with the RFDS and do all we can to help keep them in the air because they have helped our family, a loved one, and even some of our volunteers themselves,” she said.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Rockhampton Voluntary Auxiliary display at Northside Plaza.

The RFDS Rockhampton Voluntary Auxiliary made a donation of more than $50,000 in November, taking their total donations for 2022 to more than $130,000.

RFDS Rockhampton Base support manager Trish Short said she was incredibly grateful to the community’s unwavering support.

“The support we receive from the auxiliary and the community is vital and helps ensure we’re able to purchase new medical equipment and supplies, continue to provide world-class training for our crews, and invest in infrastructure,” she said.

RFDS Queensland provided more than 240 occasions of care across the state each day and 89,000 for the financial year.

The Rockhampton-based crew transported 2674 patients, including emergency retrievals and hospital transfers, flew more than 1.4 million kilometres and landed 3850 times.

Of the more than 12,000 patients in the year, 478 patients were from Emerald, 392 from Gladstone and 122 from Blackall.

The RFDS Dental Service provided 1629 dental consultations across the state, including patients in Clermont, Sapphire and Springsure.

RFDS Queensland Section chief executive officer Meredith Staib said the Rockhampton-based crews were a lifeline for communities across the region.

“On the ground, in the air, and behind the scenes, I’m incredibly proud to work alongside the dedicated team across RFDS as we continue to advocate for the communities we serve and improve healthcare for people in regional, rural, and remote Queensland,” she said.

“As we prepare to enter the 95th year of the Flying Doctor, we remain committed to transforming, innovating and expanding our services to ensure we’re able to lead the way in delivering healthcare to Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”