The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has helped thousands of people in regional and rural areas over the past 90 years, and now it is celebrating those years of service with The Great Pilgrimage.
This morning a squadron of 25 vintage aircraft set off from Dubbo in western NSW to fly to Mount Isa in Queensland.
The restored planes from the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia (AAAA) will take nine days to fly from Dubbo to Mount Isa via Moree, Roma, Charleville, Longreach, Winton, Cloncurry and Julia Creek.
The event will also include a re-enactment of the RFDS's inaugural flight from Cloncurry to Julia Creek on May 17, 1928 to attend to two patients at a bush hospital.
West Wyalong farmer Michelle Dowsett knows the benefits of the service.
In 2009 she was pregnant with her daughter when she was involved in a farm accident that tore off her scalp.
Ms Dowsett said without the RFDS, she and her daughter Emma may not be here today.
"We are thankful that she's here and it's thanks to the Royal Flying Doctor for that. It could have been a lot worse," she said.
Ms Dowsett and her three children were among supporters, flight doctors, nurses and other dignitaries at a ceremony at the RFDS base in Dubbo today to farewell the vintage aircraft.
There in hour of need
RFDS doctor Andy Caldin said the service was an Australian icon.
"To be there for people in their hour of need and be there for people's families, it's a real honour for me personally," Dr Caldin said.
"If you're in the middle of nowhere, hours and hours from care, to have a team arrive, put a hand on your shoulder and say 'Don't worry, it's okay, we are here to look after you', that's just fantastic."
RFDS South Eastern Division chief executive Greg Sam said The Great Pilgrimage symbolised the work of the service.
"The distance that people are required to traverse to be able to access care hasn't changed in 90 years," he said.
"Our ability to reach people and access people is improving through technology and through the skills of our workforce."
The RFDS has also received an early birthday present, with the Federal Government announcing more than $80 million in yesterday's budget to continue the service's work, as well as deliver primary health initiatives such as dental care programs.
"It gives us four years of certainty at least and we are, and remain, very well supported by the community," Mr Sam said.
