Recognised around the world as one of the most efficient and professional aerial medical services, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has provided 70 years of medical care to the isolated outback communities of our huge, yet sparsely populated nation.
Ironically, this life-saving service began as a result of war.
The Reverend John Flynn and aviator Clifford Peel recognised a peaceful use for World War I aviation and wireless technology- a use that would help mankind, rather than aid in its destruction. Despite Peel’s death in combat over France, Flynn pressed on with the vision, and in Cloncurry, in 1928, the Aerial Medical Service (AMS) was born, finally becoming the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1955.
To celebrate 70 years of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Royal Australian Mint has released two coins, the proof and the uncirculated bimetallic $5 coins.
The bimetallic coin features the RFDS insignia and bi-plane in aluminium bronze, with a stainless steel outer ring on the reverse.
The obverse features the new effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by lan Rank-Broadley; this effigy won’t be seen on circulated coinage until 1999.