A $15 million  funding boost for not-for-profit charity the Royal Flying Doctor Service will support people in regional, rural and remote New South Wales to access healthcare.

The additional funding will be delivered as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget.

Operating for 97 years, the RFDS is a key partner of NSW Health and employs more than 390 staff in NSW to deliver a range of services including primary care, dental, mental health, retrieval services and patient and clinician transport to regional communities.

The RFDS delivers services to communities across NSW, including in regional, rural and remote NSW. RFDS helps Rural Aerial Health Service to transport clinicians to rural, regional and remote locations to provide health services as well as inter-hospital transfers operating from Dubbo and Broken Hill air bases, transporting patients who are a seriously ill or in a life-threatening condition to a suitable hospital.

The service also supports Non-Emergency Patient Transfers to provide end-to-end non-emergency patient transport to and from public hospitals and health facilities and Medical Services Clinics, Oral Health Services and Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Far West New South Wales.

The additional funding will ensure RFDS can continue to provide comprehensive health services to rural, regional and remote New South Wales.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Australian icon.

“It’s team has been keeping people right across remote, rural and regional NSW safe and healthy for many decades,” Mr Park said.

“This funding boost will help regional people access the healthcare they need with a trusted service dedicated to helping others.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler thanked Mr Park and the NSW Government for significant funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

“I have worked closely with the Minister and his team to ensure this vital service is supported,” Mr Butler said.

“The RFDS is, and should always be seen as, a core part of the health system, particularly in communities in Regional NSW and Barwon.

“I acknowledge the role of the RFDS in the history of Regional Australia. They not only save lives but also ensure people receive the care they need as soon as possible, particularly in remote areas of the state where services can be difficult to provide. Thanks again to the Minister and NSW Government, this funding will allow RFDS to continue the excellent work they do.”

CEO Royal Flying Doctor Service, South Eastern Section, Greg Sam, said the Royal Flying Doctor Service welcomes the funding.

“We thank Premier Minns, Health Minister Park, and the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, for supporting the RFDS and recognising the important partnership role we play as part of the NSW health system in providing vital emergency and medical health services to regional, rural and remote NSW communities,” Mr Sam said.