For the first time in two years the Fraser Coast in Queensland will have an Angel Flight service, thanks to a former skydive pilot-turned-pharmacist.
Mark McMurtrie will take Mondays off from running his River Heads pharmacy to volunteer his plane and flying time.
He said Angel Flight pilots take patients in rural and remote areas to non-urgent medical appointments, but Hervey Bay had not had the service for two years due to a lack of pilots.
"Some of them (patients) miss appointments due to the cost or time factor," he said.
"I really just enjoy flying and I've got the ability to do it, so I thought, you know what, let's bring this back so people can have access to it again."
The service is different to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provides emergency transfers.
Mr McMurtrie said he was excited to put his former career in aviation to use for a good cause.
"I used to be a skydive pilot years ago here and, look, any opportunity and any excuse to go flying, I'll take it," he said.
"I'm just happy to have the aircraft available and take some time off work to go and fly.
Passion for flying and people
Mr McMurtrie's love of aviation started in the Air Force cadets and he started flying at 16, which "led on to a pilot's licence and commercial licence", he said.
But he soon found another calling with a strong family connection to medicine leading him to pharmacology.
"My parents were medical professionals. Mum was a nurse and dad was in the ambulance service for 47 years," he said.
"In high school, I was trying to do work experience in the RFDS but the insurance didn't cover it, so the guidance councillor said, 'Why don't you try going into pharmacy?' so I did and the rest is history."
He said he was determined to help provide better health care for people living in regional and remote areas, and he hoped the community in turn would also show their support.
"There's just a massive gap. We're hoping to close that gap," he said.
"Support these Australian-run charities that are doing great work for all Australians.
"You never know if your family or yourself may need these in future and if you can't donate financially, then stick your hand up to be a volunteer and give some time."
