While the team at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) base in Dubbo have been busy preparing for the opening of the Visitor Experience, we've made sure to take some time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders this NAIDOC week.

The new RFDS Visitor Experience will continue this celebration, respectfully showcasing the connection of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the Service through visual displays and interactive technology. The exhibit displays the Services' commitment to improving health outcomes and access to health care for all Australians.

One of the inspirational stories featured in the Visitor Experience is that of Stevie Harris, a proud Aboriginal man from Wilcannia.

Mr Harris recalls his experience of suffering a heart attack while teaching at St Therese's Community School in Wilcannia. His experience of being assisted by the RFDS is at the heart of the state-of-the-art tourist attraction

“We really need [the Flying Doctor]. They do a terrific job, especially with our people out here,” he said.

“Without them, I don’t think we’d be able to survive.”

The Visitor Experience will enable you to touch, explore and interact with the world of the Flying Doctor, get hands-on with our aviation and medical technology, and hear first-hand accounts of outback men and women we’ve helped over the years.

You will relive the stories of ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things out in Australia’s vast outback - under the ‘mantle of safety’ that the Flying Doctor constantly provides.

The Flying Doctor has cared for and supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for decades and acknowledges NAIDOC week as important in recognising our close relationship with Indigenous groups.