News

A new sealed airstrip unveiled at Collarenebri this week will make responding to medical emergencies much easier for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

The airstrip, which was officially opened on Wednesday, 17 February, will ensure the Flying Doctor and other emergency aircraft have access to the community even in inclement weather.

RFDS South Eastern Section executive director Clyde Thomson praised the commitment of the local community, the Walgett Shire Council and the Federal Government in improving ease of access to the town.

“Collarenebri might be a small town in western NSW, but it is essential that its residents have access to our medical services regardless of the weather,” Mr Thomson said.

“Thanks to a joint initiative between government and the community the airstrip is now sealed – making it safer for the Flying Doctor to respond to emergency calls at any time.

“We currently fly into Collarenebri about 25 times per year, responding to emergency calls or providing inter-hospital transfers on behalf of the Ambulance Service of NSW, and the sealing of the strip will make the town much more accessible for our aircraft,” Mr Thomson said.

RFDS South Eastern Section President Joan Treweeke, Dubbo Support Group Chair and RFDS Board Member Terry Clark and pilot Steve McLay all attended the opening, having flow into Collarenebri in a Flying Doctor King Air aircraft.

Pictured: Walgett Shire Council Mayor Ian Woodcock OAM with President of the South Eastern Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Joan Treweeke and Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries.