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Australia Royal Flying Doctor

1998 Proof Five Dollar

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This $5 dollar proof coin was issued to commemorate seventy years since the founding of the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS). The reverse was designed by Wojciech Pietranik and features an image of a radio operator with a RFDS aircraft in the background. The legend states "ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR 70 YEARS OF SERVICE" with the denomination "5 DOLLARS." The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II with the legend "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1998." A bi-metal RFDS piece was also produced.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was founded by Reverend John Flynn in 1928. Flynn had been working in remote Australia establishing bush hospitals for settlers when he was provided with a large bequest for 'an aerial experiment'. This aerial experiment began with a single bi-plane that was used to provide a safety net for pioneers in the Australian bush. The experiment was a success and today the RFDS has a fleet of 66 aircraft that operate to provide remote and rural Australians to emergency and primary health care services. The work of Reverend Flynn has also been recognised by his inclusion on the reverse of the Australian twenty-dollar note.