Hancock Agriculture has today continued its unwavering commitment to rural and regional communities, announcing a further three-year, $750,000 partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section).
This occasion follows the long-term commitment of Mrs Hope Hancock, Gina Rinehart’s mother, who held annual lunches for the Royal Flying Doctor Service over many years in the garden of their Dalkeith home.
Gina Rinehart said, “I well remember the very lovely ladies who gathered for this looked forward to occasion, most of whom were my mother’s friends, and most of those were friends who spent or had spent, a lot of their lives in the north.
“They knew first-hand how essential the Royal Flying Doctor Services are to lives in the bush. Touching stories were exchanged both happy and sad, but all very real over the lunches.
“Lunch always consisted of roasted chicken sandwiches, which took mother and I days to prepare, given so many expected for the lunches, freezing and then defrosting the first made ones.
“I also recall how pretty the garden looked, as the ladies had to bring their own umbrellas for shade, more important to raise funds to put to good use, rather than renting a marquis.
“Beautiful occasions like this of friends gathering for the Royal Flying Doctor Service were far from unique. I hope they long continue.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is essential for those who live in the bush, and, for the city dwellers who visit. “
At a special event today, Hancock Agriculture Chief Executive Officer, the Hon. Adam Giles, officially handed over a $750,000 cheque to the RFDS.
The funding which is structured as $250,000 per year over three years will be directly allocated to sponsoring one of the RFDS’s Queensland-based aircraft, ensuring it remains fully operational, in the sky, and ready to respond to outback medical emergencies.
Operating an aeromedical fleet across Queensland requires immense resources, with aviation fuel, ongoing maintenance, and highly specialised medical outfitting driving significant operational costs.
Mr. Giles presented the donation on behalf of Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman, Dr. Gina Rinehart AO, whose longstanding philanthropic support for the RFDS has been instrumental in saving lives across remote Australia.
“It is a privilege to be here today representing Dr. Gina Rinehart AO to continue this vital partnership,” Mr. Giles said.
“Dr. Rinehart grew up on family stations in then very remote north West Australia.
“She experienced, and understands firsthand, the isolation of outback life and the absolute necessity of obtainable medical care for those who live and work hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital.
“With her roots, she is a natural champion of those in the outback and appreciates the essential work of those who serve day after day and year after year in our Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“This $250,000 annual commitment, following the millions of dollars Mrs Rinehart and her companies have already given, will help to keep the Flying Doctor in the sky, helping the outback communities that are the backbone of our country.”
This targeted sponsorship from Hancock Agriculture guarantees that a critical aircraft in the RFDS (Queensland Section) fleet will have the steady financial backing it needs to continue its life-saving flights.
Adam Giles
