In Cobar, everybody knows somebody who has been helped by the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s South Eastern Section (RFDS SES.
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That’s why two local nurses, Lisa Spinks and Beau Webster, have committed to trekking a 98 kilometre section of the Northern Territory’s Larapinta Trail – including one 16 kilometre early morning trek of Mount Sonder – in June this year.
The pair have already raised about $11,000 for the RFDS SE – far beyond their original $5000 goal – and Lisa said they have been “overwhelmed” by the amount of support they have received from individuals and businesses alike.
They’re now “gunning for it” to raise as much as they can, she said.
“They do such amazing work that we really wanted to contribute financially to help keep them doing that, and also raise awareness of how important they are in our area,” Lisa said.
“In our line of work, we see the amazing work they do every day.”
The two nurses are self-funding the trip, meaning all funds raised will directly benefit the RFDS SE and the local communities it serves.
That was important for Lisa and Beau, who have worked at Cobar Hospital for 10 and 15 years respectively, and were both born in the town.
“I think people throw their support behind local people doing a good thing, and you never know when you might need them [RFDS],” Lisa said.
Operators of the CSA and Endeavour mines at Cobar have committed funding to the cause, while Regional Express has offered to pay for the women’s flights from Cobar to Sydney.
The Cohoe Roosters and the Cobar Bowling and Golf Club have also come on board.
Lisa said her and Beau’s small workplace and colleagues have also “so supportive” of their mission, allowing the two nurses to take time off for the cause and even assisting with fundraising efforts.
Even more touching has been the “everyday people” logging onto the nurses’ fundraising page to support the cause.
“It’s been amazing, we’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” Lisa said.
“We’ve even had little kids donating $50 which is really amazing.
“It’s a lot to ask people for money, but it’s a good cause and there’s not many people in town who don’t know someone that’s been helped by the RFDS.”
Lisa and Beau depart for the Larapinta Trail on June 16. Visit www.facebook.com/cobarnursesdolarapinta or https://give.everydayhero.com/au/cobar-nurses-do-larapinta to donate.
For more information about the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service visit www.flyingdoctor.org.au/
