The Nationals’ Member for Mildura has asked the Minister for Health to commit to funding Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Community Transport program beyond 30 June this year.
The volunteer-led RFDS Community Transport program plays a critical role in supporting community members aged over 65, providing them with transport from home to healthcare services. Without this service, many elderly residents would struggle to reach their essential medical appointments.
To ensure the continuation of this essential service, the Ms Benham is calling on the Minister for Health to allocate $2 million in funding, which would keep the program running in the 10 regional communities it services: Heathcote, Rochester, Lakes Entrance, Warracknabeal, Numurkah, Cobram, Foster, Central Gippsland, St Arnaud, and Robinvale.
“The importance of this program cannot be overstated,” said Ms Benham. “Programs like this do cost money, but the impact they have on the lives of regional Victorians is invaluable. We have also seen ongoing issues with the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme, which currently has delays of up to eight months for applicants. This only increases the need for a reliable transport service that won’t drain the residents’ pockets.”
“With just $2 million, we can sustain this program in these 10 communities. However, an investment of $8 million would allow the Royal Flying Doctor Service to expand statewide and address transport gaps across Victoria.”
“The RFDS Community Transport program is not just about getting people to medical appointments—it provides independence, dignity, and social connection for our elderly residents. The dedicated volunteer drivers benefit just as much as the patients do. I urge the Minister for Health to secure this funding and ensure regional residents continue to have access to vital transport for medical appointments.”
