Chris has a simple message for growers this season: take a break and then take another one.

“For yourself, your family and your employees, please be vigilant. Prioritise sleep, wear your seatbelt or helmet, and keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy.”

The RFDS WA is proud to have the support of CBH Group, Australia’s leader in the grain industry, to deliver the finest care to Western Australian growers and beyond.

CBH Group Chief Executive Officer Ben Macnamara said the grower-owned co-operative is proud of its enduring partnership with the RFDS in Western Australia.

“Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every successful harvest are real people.”

“Before what’s expected to be another significant crop for WA ramps up, we urge everyone to take a moment, check in with your team, and make safety part of your daily routine so that everyone can return home safely to their loved ones.”

After two days of mopping up after the fire, their children Gus and Georgie went for one last motorbike ride around the paddocks before dinner.

They chose separate routes home, but when Georgie arrived at the house, Gus was nowhere to be seen.

Erin immediately sensed something was wrong. She and Georgie jumped into the car, fearing the worst as they searched the tracks while the sun set.

“Gus kept repeating words, he was really confused,” recalls Georgie. “I was telling him he was in the paddock and Dad’s coming, you’ll be right.”

Erin called Triple Zero and a volunteer crew arrived within minutes.

Aside from his obviously broken leg, they suspected Gus had broken both arms and also placed him in a spinal collar as a precaution. There was also concern he may have suffered internal injuries.

While being treated at Moora Hospital, Gus became increasingly confused and agitated, a symptom of the concussion he’d suffered.

X-rays showed his arms were not broken, but the doctor said he would need to be flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to Perth Children’s Hospital for further scans and treatment.

The McPhersons wanted to find a way to give back to the RFDS. A fundraising event they organised raised more than $130,000. They visited the Jandakot RFDS base months later to present the cheque and were reunited with Dr Alby and Pilot Simon.

“You never think that you’re going to use the RFDS and then to see the plane for the second time and know that you’ve been in it was really quite emotional,” said Erin.

“It’s so personalised, the crew really do care. It’s more than just a service.”

The upgraded attraction is co-located with the RFDS’s 24/7 operational base and shares the important story of the RFDS in outback Australia and captures the resilient spirit of the communities it has serviced for more than 96 years, thanks, in large part to the contributions and stories of the many communities and supporters who have helped the RFDS to operate for almost a century across Far Western NSW.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the attraction will celebrate the service while adding to Broken Hill’s tourism draw-cards.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides a vital service to remote and regional NSW, with so many lives been touched by the important work they do and the NSW Government is proud to support this fantastic project highlighting the amazing work undertaken by the RFDS,” Minister Moriarty said.

“The newly opened Outback Heritage Experience will let visitors experience a unique combination of history, aircraft and technology as they learn about the proud tradition of the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We thank the NSW Government for helping to bring this new facility to life – it not only acknowledges the tremendous work of our people, but will serve as a constant reminder of the determined and courageous spirit of the communities that call the Far West home,” Greg Sam said.

Roy Butler, MP for Barwon expressed his gratitude for all the RFDS has done in the Far West.

“Very few organisations can say that they have as a deep a connection to a community as the Flying Doctor. Not only do they provide essential and lifesaving services to communities far and wide, but they also attract skilled specialists and tourists into the Silver City.

“The RFDS has also been a part of the lives of people in outback NSW for nearly a century, providing for the health needs of people in remote areas, stepping up to ensure there are services where none exist and provide services that the government and other operators can’t provide.

So it is important to tell that story, not just for tourists, but for all those whose lives have benefited from the service. The new Outback Heritage facility is a fitting tribute to the organisation and the people of the Far West, it is another attraction that will bring more tourists out west for a unique experience and will help the local economy” Roy Butler said.

“It’s another wonderful attraction which, alongside the history of the town, the vibrant cultural scene and major events, will ensure new and regular visitors keep coming back to Broken Hill over and over again,” Greg Sam said.

“We hope the new Outback Heritage Experience will introduce future generations to our organisation, and inspire people to become supporters, nurses, doctors, pilots and other specialists and professions that we need to help this region to thrive.

Here’s what some of our frontline staff had to say about these beautiful messages. 

Thank you for your beautiful messages. We also have a special video for you – click the button below to see what you achieved in 2024!