Impact
2022 Winner!
The Impact of the RFDS Local Hero Awards
The RFDS Local Hero Award winner receives a grant of $20,000, provided by Ergon Energy Retail, to be put towards a health or wellbeing initiative in their community. Emma Jackson was named the 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero, and used her grant to create an equine assisted learning program in collaboration with RFDS Far North Mental Health. Emma and Jos Middleton from RFDS, run the program on her property in the Archer River region of Cape York. Emma won the award after saving the life of her friend on her remote cattle station and championing vital mental health initiatives in Cape York. The program uses horses to explore participant’s feelings and thoughts while providing them an understanding as to how these link different behaviours. Participants work with Emma and RFDS Mental Health clinicians to identify strategies on how to manage and accept those behaviours. The program has been rolled out during 2023 and will continue into 2024. The impact of the RFDS Local Hero Awards has continued to flow through communities to this day, with past winners using the funding for a number of different purposes.
Longreach
While serving as Ilfracombe's Police Officer, Bede Little organised a family fun day to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, but little did he know he would be named a RFDS Local Hero for it.
Charleville
Yowah local and all-round good samaritan Scott Shorten, was named the 2018 RFDS Queensland Hero, for his commitment to helping improve the wellbeing and health outcomes of his community..
Longreach
Lesley, the 2017 RFDS Queensland Hero, made great strides in her community as a dedicated nurse in the central western township of Jericho. She also worked in helping those affected by drought and assisting the elderly in her community.