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EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE 00:01 Monday 26 August

Amanda Vanstone appointed Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service


Sydney, 26 August 2013 - The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) today announced the appointment of Mrs Amanda Vanstone as Chair of the National Board as part of a continued re-shaping of the organisation that is experiencing stronger demand for its services than at any time in its 85 year history. Announcing the appointment, Greg Rochford, CEO of RFDS National, said Mrs Vanstone was the ideal candidate to guide the national organisation through the next phase in its history as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of regional and remote populations and the surge in demand for services brought about by the mining boom. While we face many of the same pressures as the rest of the health system, we also have the challenge of providing health care to some of the remotest parts of Australia, Mr Rochford said. We have a fleet of 61 aircraft operating from 21 bases which service most of Australia close to 7 million square kilometres. In many cases, we are the only provider of critical health services to many communities in Australia that are beyond the reach of normal medical infrastructure. Demand for RFDS services is higher than ever, with a recorded 26% growth in activity since 2006. Amanda Vanstone said, "The RFDS is the most iconic Australian not for profit. Australia's geographic size creates real challenges for the delivery of health services. The RFDS carries out retrievals and delivers medical services to many remote and regional communities right across Australia. Equally, plenty of city people can have a health scare or be involved in an accident when they are away from home. Put simply: we go where others will not. Pilots, nurses, aircraft maintenance crews, doctors, administrative staff and board members are all working to ensure the farthest corners of Australia get the finest care. It is a great privilege to join this dedicated team. Together with governments around Australia, we want to ensure that our existing extensive infrastructure is used to maximum advantage in delivering the best possible services to remote and regional Australia, said Amanda Vanstone. The RFDS is a federated body and Commonwealth Ministers gain a wealth of experience in working with state and federal organisations. Mrs Vanstone is highly respected and we have no doubt that her skills and experience will be an asset to the RFDS, said Greg Rochford. ENDS

Notes to Editors: About Amanda Vanstone Born in Adelaide, Vanstone entered Federal Parliament in 1984 as a Senator for South Australia. At that time she was the youngest member of the Senate. She was re-elected in 1987, 1993, 1998 and 2004. She served as a Minister in the Australian Government from the 1996 election until January 2007. Except for a period of just over three years as Minister for Justice /Customs, all her Ministerial positions were in Cabinet. She is the longest serving female Cabinet Minister since Federation. In 2007 she was appointed as Australian Ambassador to Italy and to San Marino. Prior to entering Parliament, Ms Vanstone worked as a legal practitioner. She was educated at the University of Adelaide, where she completed both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees. Mrs Vanstone is a Board member of the Port Adelaide Football Club and is a regular presenter on the ABC Radio National program, Counterpoint. Amanda also writes a fortnightly column for The Age. Mrs Vanstone is currently a Patron of The Hutt Street Centre and The Salvation Army Ingle Farm Redevelopment and has joined the board of Youth Opportunities. She is on the Board of Governors of the Institute for International Trade based in the Adelaide University. About the Royal Flying Doctor Service The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world and Australias 3rd largest airline. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, it delivers extensive primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency services to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. The Flying Doctor began in 1928 as an emergency rescue service but has now expanded to provide extensive primary healthcare services, with no patient more than two hours away from help. The RFDS is a not-for-profit organisation. While supported by the Commonwealth and State Governments, the RFDS relies heavily on fundraising and donations from the community to purchase and medically-equip its aircraft and to support other major initiatives. Nationally, the RFDS has a fleet of 61 aircraft operating from 21 bases located across the country and provides medical assistance across remote, rural and regional Australia. For more information please visit www.flyingdoctor.org.au For further information contact: Rebecca Wyles, RFDS (National Office) on 02 8259 8105 or 0404 048 007 Rebecca.Wyles@rfdsno.com

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