FLYING DOCTOR GETS NEW INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE

Courtesy RFDS

GEOFF VIVIAN

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has appointed an Indigenous member to its board for the first time in WA.

Wajarri and Nanda man Dwayne Mallard said many of his own family members had been airlifted by the RFDS.

“Unfortunately growing up in regional WA and having significant involvement with our remote communities, I’ve had grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, family friends, and community members flown out,” he said. “RFDS touches all of our lives and thankfully it’s such a positive way of seeing the last glimmer of hope in a medical crisis. You hear of a family member or friend being flown out with RFDS and your first thought is: ‘oh no, it must be serious’ and then the second thought is: ‘thank God for the RFDS’ and it gives you that strength of hope that everything’s going to be OK, you’re in reliable hands.”

Mr Mallard said in accepting the position he wanted to represent all Aboriginal people, particularly remote communities.