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. The family fun day aimed to bring the Ilfracombe community together and promote mental health awareness, family resilience and local health and community services. Bede said the money raised from the event was donated back to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) which is a well-regarded organisation within the local community. “The $4,000 raised from the event was donated to the RFDS,” Bede said. “The RFDS was chosen due to the great work the Longreach RFDS mental health service does locally.” Being awarded the 2020 Queensland Hero Award, Bede said he was just doing what many people do every day, organising an event. “I was just one person running a small event, and similar events are run all the time,” he said. “Unexpectedly, I was nominated for the award and was honoured to receive it.” The $7,500 grant from Ergon Energy Retail was used to host another two family fun days, while also helping the events to continue. Bede said the RFDS is an important service for those living in rural and remote communities. “As a police officer, having lived and worked in rural and remote locations such as Thargomindah, Ilfracombe and Longreach, I have been present at many critical incidents in which the function of the RFDS was invaluable,” he said. “Aside from saving lives in the bush, the RFDS provides transport and clinics in small remote communities lifting the standard of life. “People in the bush know the importance of the RFDS and many events focus on giving back. “The RFDS is a lifeline for this reason.” Bede encouraged the community to nominate their local hero, with many people doing great things without recognition. "There are many people doing great work in the community, many times, without recognition. “Nominating someone is a great way to thank and encourage them.”