On Wednesday RFDS Australia thanked the fundraisers, good Samaritans, and community-minded people who “promote health and well-being in their communities”.

In Mount Isa RFDS awarded helicopter pilot Nathan McDonald with the 2017 RFDS Local Hero Award for his assistance in two separate emergencies. 

Flight nurse Michelle Ball told how Nathan helped her team out twice in 2016.

“In April last year we responded to a patient on a remote station in an extremely critical condition post a horse fall,” Ms Ball said.

“Barkly Helicopter pilot Nathan McDonald provided crucial information and regular updates to enable us to coordinate this logistically challenging retrieval.

“On arrival at the closest strip, Nathan graciously offered to ferry myself and our doctor to the scene, saving precious time.

“It was through Nathan’s assistance on this job that we were able to provide life saving interventions in a timely manner,” Ms Ball said.

Deja vu struck seven months later when Nathan assisted on the scene of a helicopter crash, said Ms Ball.

“When considering accepting a ride in a helicopter to aid at the scene of a helicopter crash, heightened anxiety, fear, and dread are probably some of the expected emotions.

“Thankfully having met Nathan before, and experiencing first hand his flying skills, professionalism and altruistic character, I instead felt a sense of calm and relief knowing we had Nathan’s assistance once again.”

Mr McDonald was humble in his acceptance, thanking the RFDS for their work.

“We’re very appreciative of the vital role they play for us in the rural industry. It’s an honour to be able to help in any way,” he said.

The Spirit of John Flynn award was presented to Tracy Forshaw, co-ordinator of Gregory Downs RFDS Clinic for 17 years.

The award is the highest level of recognition from RFDS, for “active promotion of improved health outcomes” for people in their community.

Ms Forshaw was on holiday but received her award at the Rockhampton base.

“I have loved my time supporting the RFDS. Our little clinic at Gregory has thrived and now includes a heart clinic held four times a year,” she said.

Mayor Joyce McCulloch presented certificates of appreciation for two absent local hero nominees, Cloncurry midwives Chelsea Salisbury and Judith March.

“That’s why they’ve been nominated, they're still on the job!” Cr. McCulloch joked.

Celebrations took place at nine Queensland operational bases; Mount Isa, Roma, Longreach, Brisbane, Charleville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Cairns and Townsville.

Each of the nine Local Hero Award winners from Queensland will fly to Brisbane to attend the Wings of Gala ball in July where they will announce the Queensland local hero award.

Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) CEO Nino Di Marco said the RFDS Local Hero Awards were established in 2016 to thank and acknowledge those outstanding individuals who tirelessly and selflessly support the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in their region.

“It is heart-warming to have received Local Hero nominations from around the state – ranging from an 80-year-old lady who still picks up and drives our primary health care team to their remote clinics, to a brave woman who managed to call for help following a traumatic car crash before freeing her boyfriend from the wreckage.

“Every community has those people who go above and beyond to make a difference and we would like to join the RFDS in acknowledging and thanking these unsung heroes.”

The awards are held each year on May 17, the anniversary of the beginning of the RFDS in Australia.