It's called “The Guardian” – an imposing four-metre high sculpture by Perth sculptor, Ron Gombok, that now stands at the entrance of the new medical wing of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) base at Broken Hill – symbolically representing, as it does, a common view of the iconic outback service.
“A lot of families wouldn’t have the confidence to live in the bush if there wasn’t the RFDS,” former RFDS Women’s Auxillary president, Lynne Gall, said.
Since the Reverend John Flynn began his “mantle of safety” flying medical service in 1928, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has been the first call and last resort for thousands of people in country Australia, and still occupies a special place in outback hearts today.
The new base was officially opened by State Governor Marie Bashir earlier this month, with about 200 guests present for unveiling of the Clive Bishop Medical Centre and the Bruce Langford Visitors Centre.
British philanthropist, Sir Michael Bishop, donated $600,000 to the project, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by a federal grant.
Full story in The Land, April 16.
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