A five-year stint in the Pilbara region of Western Australia during her early working life gave Alice* an understanding for the work of the Flying Doctor and motivated her to make a gift in her Will for the South Eastern Section.
Alice said she wanted to ensure the Flying Doctor would be able to assist people in isolated communities into the future.
“I have a better appreciation than most of what isolation is like when I lived and worked in the Pilbara region. I lived in a town (Tom Price) that was built for employees of the mine there,” Alice said.
“The town was built by the mining company and had everything including a supermarket, bank, post office, school and hospital, but once you set foot out of town, there was nothing.
“It was such a beautiful sight, the red dirt against a bright blue sky and the ghost gums, but it was such an isolated place. The nearest town was Wittenoom, more than 100 kilometres away, and it was several hours to Dampier.
“If you went anywhere you had to tell people where you were going otherwise they wouldn’t know to look out for you if you didn’t come back.”
While technology had made the world smaller and kept people in touch, there was no overcoming the tyranny of distance in outback Australia, Alice said, and that was what made the Flying Doctor so important.
“I don’t think a lot of people who live in cities or even large regional towns could understand what the isolation is like. I got a taste of it, and all I could think was if I got into trouble when I was out there I would hope there was someone like the Flying Doctor who was able to help,” Alice said.
We are so grateful to our generous supporters like Alice, who want to ensure that no Australian is left without access to quality healthcare regardless of their location.
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your Will to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section), we would love an opportunity to speak with you confidentially and to answer any questions you may have.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), in partnership with Airservices Australia, Cairns Airport and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), have detected an increased number of drones being operated in controlled airspace near Cairns Airport.
To ensure the safety of those on the ground and in the sky, CASA has developed rules and regulations prohibiting drones weighing more than 250g from being flown within 5.5 km of a controlled airport without an exemption.
All drones, regardless of how much they weigh are also prohibited from flying over or in the departure or approach path – the airspace where traditional aircraft take off and land – of a controlled airport.
AFP Protection Operations Response Team, Sergeant Benjamin MacKlinsays as we near the school holidays both locals and visitors need to be aware of the drone safety rules.
‘The July school holidays is our peak tourist season and operating drones in controlled airspace puts the safety of both Cairns locals and visitors at risk,’ he says.
As part of an ongoing national drone safety education campaign, CASA is raising awareness and understanding of safe flying around Cairns by working with the local council and Cairns Airport.
CASA Manager Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Operations, Scott Duffy says in Cairns, the no-fly zone includes many popular destinations including the Esplanade and central business district.
‘As drones continue to soar in popularity, it is important users inform themselves on where they can and can’t operate their drone, if they need to be licensed and the dangers of flying drones near airports.’
‘We’d like to encourage users to find out where they can safely fly by using one of the CASA-verified drone safety apps available now through the Know Your Drone website,’ says Mr Duffy.
CASA-verified drone safety apps and web applications give location-based information with easy-to-use maps about where you can and can’t fly your drone according to CASA’s drone safety rules.
‘Drone operators are also encouraged to test their knowledge of the drone safety rules by visiting our Know Your Drone website and taking the quiz.’
For more information about drone safety, visit knowyourdrone.gov.au.Date: 29 June 2022
Media contact
CASA MediaMobile: 0419 296 446Email: media@casa.gov.auReference number: MR4822
The Transport Security Legislation Amendment (Serious Crime) Regulations 2022 (the Regulations) were registered on 4 April 2022 and make the following changes to the aviation and maritime security identification card (ASIC and MSIC) schemes:
o ASIC holders and applicants now have the ability to seek reconsideration of certain decisions made by the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs (the Secretary) and;
o the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) will conduct criminal intelligence assessments as part of the ASIC and MSIC background check..
2. When will the changes come into effect?
The reconsideration mechanism for the ASIC scheme commenced on 5 April 2022.
The ACIC will begin conducting criminal intelligence assessments of ASIC and MSIC applicants for applications made from 22 June 2022.
3. What are criminal intelligence assessments?
A criminal intelligence assessment is an assessment conducted by the ACIC to determine if intelligence held by the agency suggests the applicant may commit a serious and organised crime or assist another person to commit a serious and organised crime.
If the ACIC issues an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, an individual will be ineligible to be issued or hold an ASIC or MSIC.
o The ACIC will ensure that the process is conducted fairly and with surety, whilst also protecting Australia’s aviation and maritime secure areas from serious criminals.
o If you receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, you cannot apply to the Secretary for a discretionary review. You are only able to apply for merits review to the Security Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
4. What is the reconsideration mechanism for the ASIC scheme and why is the Government introducing the mechanism?
If your application for an ASIC or MSIC is refused by AusCheck on the basis of an adverse criminal record, you may be eligible to apply to the Secretary for a discretionary review.
Under the MSIC scheme, if the discretionary MSIC is refused the individual can apply to the Secretary to seek a reconsideration of a decision prior to appealing to the AAT.
Previously under the ASIC scheme, if the discretionary ASIC was refused the individual did not have the ability to seek reconsideration of the decision, instead, could only appeal the decision to the AAT.
Under the new measures, ASIC holders will have the ability to apply to the Secretary for reconsideration of a decision of the Secretary for certain matters prior to appealing the decision to the AAT.
The measure is largely consistent with the MSIC scheme and delivers on efforts to harmonise the ASIC and MSIC schemes where possible.
5. How will the changes impact me?
The introduction of criminal intelligence assessments is anticipated to impact a very small cohort of ASIC and MSIC applicants.
o Individualswhohaveknownlinkstoseriousandorganisedcrimegroupsarelikelytobeimpacted by the introduction of criminal intelligence assessments.
o If you receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, you cannot apply for a discretionary card by the Department. You are only able to apply for merits review to the Security Division of the AAT.
6.How will the ACIC determine who will receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment?
In determining if an individual will be issued an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, the ACIC will undertake a careful evaluation to determine if intelligence or information suggests a person may commit or assist another person to commit a serious and organised crime. Further information on the threshold the ACIC will use is found within the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 (ACC Act).
Being the subject of a rumour will not be sufficient to meet the threshold for the ACIC to issue an adverse assessment, nor will simply being a relative of a person who is involved in serious and organised crime.
7. What is the threshold for someone being given an adverse criminal intelligence assessment? Can you be given an adverse assessment simply because of who you are related to, or rumours?
In determining if an individual will be issued an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, the ACIC will undertake a careful evaluation to determine if intelligence or information suggests a person may commit or assist another person to commit a serious and organised crime.
Being the subject of a rumour will not be sufficient to meet the threshold for the ACIC to issue an adverse assessment, nor will simply being a relative of a person who is involved in serious and organised crime.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ACIC will review all the relevant facts available in determining if a person meets the threshold to receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment.
8. What is the difference between a criminal history check and a criminal intelligence assessment?
Both the criminal history check and the criminal intelligence assessments are conducted by the ACIC.
The criminal history check reviews past convictions against the ASIC/MSIC eligibility criteria found within the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facility Security Regulations 2003.
The criminal intelligence assessment reviews the applicant to identify any links to, or involvement with serious and organised crime.
Please note that an applicant can be found ineligible to hold an ASIC or MSIC if they receive an adverse criminal history check OR an adverse criminal intelligence assessment.
Criminal History Assessment
Criminal Intelligence Assessment
Based on
Criminal convictions only
Intelligence holdings
Discretionary review
For Tier 2 and Tier 3 offences only
No
Reconsideration
For Tier 2 and Tier 3 offences only
No
Appeal to the AAT
Yes, application may be made to the AAT for any offence.
Yes, application may be made to the Security Division of the AAT.
9. How do I appeal a decision if found to have an adverse criminal intelligence assessment?
Individuals who receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment may only apply for merits review to the Security Division of the AAT. You are unable to apply to the Department for a discretionary review.
The Australian General Aviation Alliance (AGAA) is seeking the introduction of new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard (detailed in Table 1 of this document) for Recreational Pilot License and Private Pilot License holders, along with key reforms to existing Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Class 2 Basic and Class 2 certification standards to safely unlock general aviation participation and growth.
The reforms that AGAA is seeking, have been implemented by aviation safety regulators in the United States of America (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), and across the past five (5) years have proven to be a safe method of pilot medical certification. Both regulators based their reforms on the use of conditional private vehicle motor car license medical standard, with options for both self-declaration and General Practitioner assessment certification.
In the US, the FAA BasicMed pilot medical certification is widely regarded as one of the most successful aviation regulatory reforms in modern history, with over 66,000 pilots now accessing flying through this standard, with no demonstrated negative impact on aviation safety. The UK reforms mirror the success of those delivered in the US and have opened up their local general aviation industry to growth.
In summary, recreational/private pilots in both the US and UK who use either a self-declaration or General Practitioner assessed medical certification standards;
must meet the medical fitness requirements of the ‘conditional’ private motor vehicle license standard
can fly both single and multi-engine aircraft
can fly aircraft weighing up to 5700 kg
can participate in both VFR and IFR operations
can carry up to a maximum of six (6) passengers
can participate in aerobatic flight
The US now has in excess of 66,000 private pilots accessing aviation through BasicMed, with pilots participating in VFR and IFR operations in aircraft ranging between recreational light sport, experimental/amateur-built, general aviation certified singles and twins, helicopters, gyrocopters, warbirds and more.
AGAA regards both the introduction of a new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard and the reform of the CASA Basic Class 2 standard as a powerful gateway for the industry to sustain itself, reducing the regulatory burdens and costs currently imposed on the private general aviation sectors. Such reform would make aviation more accessible nationwide, with strong benefits to pilots and aviation users throughout regional Australia, driving growth back into Australia’s ailing general aviation sectors.
Importantly, the introduction of a new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard and a reformed Basic Class 2 medical certification by CASA would deliver safe deregulation that is in alignment with the Minister’s Statement of Expectations and the Government’s broader deregulation agenda.
Sincerely,
MR BENJAMIN MORGAN Chairman – Australian General Aviation Alliance Chief Executive – Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia
C/O Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia Hangar 120, 15 Stinson Crescent, Bankstown Airport, NSW 2200, Australia.
Jess Harvey was 35 weeks pregnant when she awoke in the middle of the night with contractions.
The only problem was, she was at home on a remote station two hours from Richmond — the nearest town — more than 500 kilometres from her nearest tertiary hospital, and 270 kilometres away from her partner Sam, who was at a mustering camp.
“I called my mum and just cried; this wasn’t how I planned it,” Jess said.
Friends on the property drove Jess two hours to the health service in town, as her contractions got closer and closer together.
As there were no midwives stationed at the health service, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) based in Mount Isa, received an early morning call from Retrieval Services Queensland to assist.
The team of three including a doctor, a flight nurse, and pilot, touched down in Richmond a short time later.
RFDS Doctor Shima Ghedia said it was a privilege to assist in the delivery of Darby, the first baby to be born at the health service in Richmond in 15 years.
“Jess was an absolute trooper; Sam was there to support and cut the cord, our Flight Nurse (Midwifery) Leanne Ashbacher was incredible, and even our pilot got involved,” Dr Shima said.
“The local staff at the health centre were also overjoyed.”
Jess said the whole team were incredible.
“They were unreal, I cannot thank them enough. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
Jess and baby Darby were flown by the RFDS crew to Townsville for further care and have since returned home to their property.
Doctor Shima said when the team finally touched back down in Mount Isa, there was yet another reason to celebrate that day, with RFDS Pilot Michael Flood hitting his milestone of 10,000 flight hours.
“Michael has been flying for more than 22 years and has worked with the Flying Doctor for many years, so this was a wonderful achievement,” she said.
“I’m so proud of the whole team and this was certainly a day all involved won’t forget any time soon.”
If you or someone you love has had a medical emergency in remote Queensland, you’ll understand how comforting it is to know the Flying Doctor is on its way.
Responding to life-threatening events that require urgent medical care is all in a day’s work for the Flying Doctor. This gripping video shows some of the emergencies the Flying Doctor team has been called to respond to. The Flying Doctor provides life-saving medical care in the most difficult of situations.
Pledge your support this Flying Doctor day on the 17th of May, with a gift in your Will so that future generations of Queenslanders can take comfort knowing the Flying Doctor will be there for them.
Pledge today to support the Flying Doctor in this extraordinarily kind and generous way.
If you would like to learn more about gifts in wills please contact Heather Stott on 07 3852 7586 or email giftinwill@rfdsqld.com.au
Airservices is seeking industry feedback to understand if there is any operational requirement or impact on removal for the Bankstown and Camden aerodrome beacons before a decision for its decommissioning can be made.Changes to MOS 139 have removed the mandatory requirement for an Aerodrome Beacon and the evolution of other aerodrome lighting and the expansion of GNSS navigation capabilities across all levels of the industry means that that the historical need for an aerodrome beacon has changed considerably.Airservices Australia is proposing to decommission both the Bankstown and Camden Aerodrome Beacons (ABN) and remove them from operational service. Airservices has completed an internal risk assessment, consistent with our Safety Management System (SMS), for the decommissioning of the Bankstown and Camden Airport aerodrome beacons and identified a negligable impact on industry.
This service expansion is made possible through an Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks (PHN) Program grant obtained by Western Victoria Primary Health Network. Western Victoria PHN has partnered with Murray PHN and Gippsland PHN so that the program can reach communities in the catchments of all three rural Victorian Primary Health Networks. While the exact locations of the new service hubs are still being finalised, RFDS Victoria is excited that all three PHNs have come together for this project.
Flying Doctor Community Transport provides free transportation for eligible clients to their health appointments and social group activities. The service recognises that people living in rural communities can face additional barriers when it comes to accessing health care and social connection due to a geographically spread population and limited transport options. As such, the service aims to make it easier and more affordable for people to attend vital health care appointments, thereby enabling people to take control of their own health and reducing occurrences of missed appointments.
“The greatest cost to our health system is missed appointments,” says Scott Chapman, Chief Executive RFDS Victoria. “For the people who are having to go for cancer treatments or other things, they rely on their family to have to take a day off and come up from Melbourne to get them there, and so people just miss appointments. This service is designed to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“What we have seen with the success of this service is that we are not only helping individuals but contributing to healthy communities.”
Western Victoria Primary Health Network CEO Rowena Clift says they are excited to partner with RFDS Victoria to bring this great service to more communities.
“We are delighted to partner with RFDS Victoria. This unique and valuable service reaches into parts of our community where health services are not readily available or are some distance away. Through RFDS, people can receive the health assistance they need. We also look forward to the establishment of the new hubs in our region to further enhance this service for our community.”
The Flying Doctor Community Transport service originally launched in Heathcote in central Victoria in 2018, and expanded to Rochester in 2021. In these areas, RFDS Victoria’s partnerships with Heathcote Health and Rochester and Elmore District Health Service, respectively, have been a large driver for the program’s success.
“Having already established successful and supportive relationships in Heathcote and Rochester, we are excited by this opportunity to partner with three innovative PHNs,” says Melanie Trivett, General Manager for Primary Health Care, RFDS Victoria. “We look forward to working with Western Victoria Primary Health Network, Murray PHN and Gippsland PHN to develop a service that is run with the community, for the community.”
In addition to its strong partnerships, Flying Doctor Community Transport is made possible thanks to its very generous volunteer drivers. The volunteers are typically passionate locals who are committed to supporting their community, or health care students who are looking for some real world experience – in fact, some volunteers from the Heathcote and Rochester programs have gone on to join the Flying Doctor’s Mobile Patient Care (MPC) service.
“Once our new sites are confirmed, we will begin seeking expressions of interest from locals in those communities to join our team of volunteer drivers,” says Dr Trivett. “Volunteers are the backbone of community transport services, and so we are always looking for ways we can celebrate our volunteers and recognise their generous contributions, such as through our involvement in the inaugural Victorian Community Transport Week.”
To find out more about Flying Doctor Community Transport and its pending expansion, contact our team on 1300 887 678 or via communitytransport@rfdsvic.com.au. You can also keep an eye on our Facebook page for all updates.
