The Royal Flying Doctor Service in Far North Queensland will take to the skies with $10,800 worth of new medical equipment donated by Murray Masonic Lodge, with the help of members of the District of Carpentaria and Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
Murray Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Alan Sims said rural and remote communities are heavily reliant on this service for their primary healthcare as well as in times of a medical emergency.
“Whether it’s a checkup or an emergency evacuation, you know you’re in good hands when the RFDS is involved,” Alan said.
“Fifteen years ago, my grandson was transported to Brisbane in a critical condition. Then in September last year, my son Greg was medevaced from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the intensive care unit at the Cairns Base Hospital. So our family as well as many remote families know full well the life-saving role that the RFDS plays in our community,” he said.
Last financial year, the four aircraft at the Cairns base collectively covered over 989,000 km.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said that by partnering with Murray Masonic Lodge they were able to increase the impact of their charity work at a grassroots level.
“This is about giving the RFDS a hand up, to empower them to continue providing essential services that alleviate suffering – something which they’ve been doing for over 90 years,” Gary said.
Photo: President District Board of Benevolence Robert Lackey (second from left), Carpentaria District Grand Master Henry Condon (fourth from left), Murray Lodge representative Alan Sims (second from right) and the team at the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Cairns.
