WHEN the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) put out the call for help, the Nelson Bay Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) answered with scones, jam, cream and community spirit.
The branch’s recent Devonshire Tea fundraiser attracted a strong turnout, with visitors generously donating, buying raffle tickets and snapping up the loaded scones and homemade jams and pickles to support the iconic rural health service, raising $770.
The event comes at a critical time for the RFDS, with a recent Landline report highlighting the financial strain caused by soaring aviation fuel costs and uncertainty surrounding government funding.
CWA Secretary Kym Farr said the organisation’s connection with the Flying Doctor stretches back more than 90 years.
“The RFDS have had a 90-year partnership with the CWA, focusing on supporting health, isolation relief and wellbeing in rural and remote Australia,” Ms Farr said.
“Early in its history, the CWA adopted the Flying Doctor as a core association project, helping fund and establish emergency access, and today we continue to advocate for ongoing government core funding.”
Ms Farr said delegates at the CWA State Conference in Forster heard from RFDS Executive General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Fundraising Annabey Whitehead, who outlined the service’s funding crisis and urged branches to consider fundraising initiatives.
Conference delegates also passed an urgency motion calling on the NSW Government to provide at least $15 million in annual core funding to help ensure vital medical and health services continue reaching rural and remote communities.
“The RFDS is always there for medical emergencies, and it’s amazing how many stories you hear from people whose lives have been touched by the service,” Ms Farr said.
“The escalating fuel prices are impacting the RFDS because without fuel they cannot carry out medical evacuations.”
The next Devonshire Tea will be held from 9am to noon on Saturday, 29 August, at the CWA Rooms on the corner of Achilles Street and Gowrie Avenue, Nelson Bay.
“The CWA is not just about scones,” Ms Farr said.
“We raise funds for local charities and community projects, study international and environmental issues, make and sell handicrafts, and support people in many different ways. There’s something for everyone.”
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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