The bases of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Rural Fire Service were opened to the public on Saturday to display their skills and equipment.
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Hundreds of people turned up to learn about the two organisations, as well as having some celebratory cake, getting their faces painted and seeing the RFS cadets in action.
The open day marked RFDS’ 80 years of operation.
Senior flight nurse Karen Barlow said she had been with the organisation for 17 years.
“I can't think of a better job for a registered nurse to do. You get a beautiful office, beautiful sunsets and a great team to work with,” she said.
“Every day is different.”
It was a unique profession the nurse said, as it combined aviation with nursing.
RFDS south eastern section CEO Greg Sam said the open day was a chance to forge connections with the community, who played a large role in funding the organisation through their donations.
I can't think of a better job for a registered nurse to do. You get a beautiful office, beautiful sunsets and a great team to work with.
- Karen Barlow
“This occasion is about us turning 80 and it’s both a reflection of what had changed in 80 years but also what hasn’t changed in 80 years,” he said.
The type of aircraft had changed as had the technology, with the RFDS now acting as mini intensive care units, he said.
“What hasn’t changes is the type of needs this service provides. For a lot of rural and regional areas in NSW we are the primary health car provider,” Mr Sam said.
“We are in our 80th year and continue to grow and meet the needs of the community,’ he said.
On display was one of the new patient transport road vehicles, which directly connects patients from the Central West with RFDS flights to and from Sydney. People could also get on board both a current RFDS SE Kingair aircraft.
Mr Sam said one of the strengths of the Dubbo operation was the strong Dubbo Support Group who had been around since the base was opened in 1999.
The RFS also held their open day.
Kids young and old were able to climb aboard a firetruck, watch displays by the RFS cadets and learn about fire safety.
“Anything that has cake balloons and excited children is a great day,” Mr Sam said.