Lakes Entrance residents are among the East Gippslanders benefiting from the continued operation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Community Transport program, after strong local support helped secure the future of the service.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria has committed $3 million over the next two years to continue funding the program after federal government funding came to an end.
The free transport service assists eligible residents travelling to medical and specialist appointments, as well as social support groups, helping people who may otherwise struggle to access care.
Since launching in 2019, Flying Doctor Community Transport has delivered more than 12,000 trips across Gippsland, including in Lakes Entrance, Sale and Foster during the past two-and-a-half years alone.
The service supports people living with cancer, chronic illness, disability and other complex health conditions, particularly in rural communities where access to healthcare can involve significant travel.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria chief executive officer Dr Michael Ben Meir said community backing across Gippsland had been crucial in allowing the organisation to continue the service.
“As a charity, most of the programs the Flying Doctor offers in the community rely on donations,” Dr Ben Meir said.
“We are extremely fortunate to have strong local support, not just through donations, but through advocacy for services that break down barriers to accessing healthcare.”
Dr Ben Meir said transport remained one
of the biggest barriers facing rural and
remote patients.
“People in towns including Sale, Foster and Lakes Entrance often have fewer services locally and must travel long distances to see a GP or specialist,” he said.
“Without Flying Doctor Community Transport, many would simply miss out.”
Several local organisations have contributed to supporting the service, including the Anglican Parish of Lakes Entrance and Metung and the Lakes Entrance Garden Club, alongside community groups and individual donors from across the region.
The Flying Doctor said community feedback highlighted the importance of the service, with almost 90 per cent of clients reporting reduced financial stress as a result of being able to access transport assistance.
Dr Ben Meir said ongoing support from regional communities would be essential to keeping the program operating into
the future.
“Programs like Community Transport only exist because local communities step up — through businesses, service clubs, community groups and individuals,” he said.
“Every donation matters, and ongoing community support will ensure we can keep going above and beyond for rural and remote Victorians well into the future.”
