Support sought for Royal Flying Doctor Service appeal

8/10/94

Finance Minister Max Evans today encouraged the Western Australian public to dig deep to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service during this year's Airwaves Appeal.

Representing the Premier at a Kalgoorlie function at which North Broken Hill Peko handed over a $100,000 donation to the RFDS, Mr Evans said the importance of the service should never be underestimated.

"Without the Royal Flying Doctor Service it would be difficult to sustain our farming communities, which are so economically important to the whole State," Mr Evans said.

"Many people, including travellers and holidaymakers from the metropolitan area, would perish in remote locations.

"Without the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the infrastructure that has been carefully built to ensure that all Western Australians have access to high quality health care, would crumble.

"We are deeply indebted to the many doctors, nurses, pilots, engineers, radio operators and administrative staff who keep the service running with such efficiency and maintain such excellent standards of service."

Mr Evans said the vital services provided by the RFDS were recognised by companies such as North Broken Hill Peko, which had financially supported the service.

"Companies such as this recognise how important the Royal Flying Doctor Service is to maintaining communities and businesses in remote areas of Australia," Mr Evans said.

"Their $250,000 commitment to upgrading the service's aircraft is commendable, recognising how essential the service is to our continued economic and social development and the important contribution the private business sector can play."

Mr Evans said while the State and Commonwealth provided 90 per cent of RFDS operating costs, public donations were still required to make up the final 10 per cent of the operating budget and to help the service acquire aircraft and equipment.

"The support shown by organisations such as North Broken Hill Peko is vital and I hope during the course of this year's Airwaves Appeal that the people of Western Australia dig deep to offer their support for this most worthy cause."

Media contact:  Tony Barker-May  (09) 366 0300