A major NSW Government funding boost for not-for-profit charity the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will support people in regional, rural and remote NSW to access healthcare.

An additional $15 million in funding for RFDS will be delivered as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, as the state government continues delivering better essential services our communities rely on.

Operating for 97 years, the RFDS is a key partner of NSW Health and employs over 390 staff in NSW to deliver a range of services including primary care, dental, mental health, retrieval services and patient and clinician transport to regional communities.  

The $15 million is in addition to funding the NSW Government provides to RFDS to deliver services to communities across NSW, including in regional, rural and remote NSW, such as:

• Rural Aerial Health Service to transport clinicians to rural, regional and remote locations to provide health services.
• Inter-hospital transfers operating from Dubbo and Broken Hill air bases, transporting patients who are a seriously ill or in a life-threatening condition to a suitable hospital.
• Non-Emergency Patient Transfers to provide end-to-end non-emergency patient transport to and from public hospitals and health facilities
• Medical Services Clinics, Oral Health Services and Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Far West NSW.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Australian icon. Its team has been keeping people right across remote, rural and regional NSW safe and healthy for many decades.

“This funding boost will help regional people access the healthcare they need with a trusted service dedicated to helping others.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said, “I’d like to thank Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government for this significant funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). I have worked closely with the Minister and his team to ensure this vital service is supported. 

“The RFDS is, and should always be seen as, a core part of the health system, particularly in communities in Regional NSW and Barwon.

“I acknowledge the role of the RFDS in the history of Regional Australia. They not only save lives but also ensure people receive the care they need as soon as possible, particularly in remote areas of the state where services can be difficult to provide. Thanks again to the Minister and NSW Government, this funding will allow RFDS to continue the excellent work they do.”

Greg Sam, CEO Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) said, “The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) (RFDS) welcomes today’s $15 million funding announcement. 

“We thank Premier Minns, Health Minister Park, and the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, for supporting the RFDS and recognising the important partnership role we play as part of the NSW health system in providing vital emergency and medical health services to regional, rural and remote NSW communities.”