Isuzu supports RFDS

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has announced a three-year deal with Australia’s iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) that starts with the provision of 4x4 utes and SUVs for RFDS ground operations.

Announced on 1 March, this major national partnership is a first for the RFDS, with both parties saying it will deliver better health outcomes for Australians living and working in rural and remote parts of Australia – areas beyond the reach of mainstream medical services.

“This new and exciting partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service now enables IUA to support many of our regional, rural and most remote communities by aiding the incredible work provided by the RFDS – and complements our ongoing support of Surf Life Saving Australia that assists and services coastal-based communities,” said Isuzu Ute Australia’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Koichiro Yoshida.

Initially known as the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service, the RFDS was founded in 1928 by the Reverend John Flynn. Today, the RFDS network operates 23 bases, 79 aircraft and 183 road transport vehicles and mobile clinics, supported by more than 2,300 staff members.

Isuzu’s support of the RFDS will start with the provision of a fleet of new ground vehicles, made up of their D-MAX ute and MU-X SUV., which will be used to tow the Flying Doctor’s state-of-the-art training simulators around the country for school education and national events programme.

“Isuzu Ute Australia understands the importance of having dependable transportation in isolated and challenging environments. As such, our D-MAX and MU-X vehicles are a perfect match for this sometimes-remote work and the long-distance towing demands of the Royal Flying Doctor Service where reliability is crucial,” Yoshida added.

Isuzu’s donation of ground vehicles will allow the RFDS to use funds previously put into such transport to go toward the purchase of new aircraft, improving critical infrastructure, upgrading medical equipment and delivering essential primary health care and mental health services.

“We are excited about this new major national partnership with Isuzu Ute Australia, as it enables us to keep the Flying Doctor flying, driving, and caring for people across rural and remote Australia,” said Frank Quinlan, Federation Executive Director of the RFDS.

“As a national health charity, the support from individuals, small businesses and corporations has underpinned critical delivery of primary health and emergency medical services for decades.

“This partnership with IUA will enable us to provide better health access for those that live in rural and remote Australia, and for that we are very grateful.”