For many Australians, healthcare is something you drive to. 

 

But for those living hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital across South Australia and the Northern Territory, medical assistance depends on a plane arriving on time. 

 

This week, Westpac and the Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT announced a partnership aimed at supporting healthcare in these regions. 

 

“The RFDS was founded on the belief that where you live shouldn’t determine the quality of healthcare you receive,” says RFDS SA/NT Chair Peter de Cure. 

 

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports around seven million Australians - more than a quarter of the population - live in rural and remote areas, where access to primary care is limited and hospitalisation rates are higher than in cities.¹

 

The RFDS assists one patient every ten minutes, adding up to more than 47,000 people each year. Teams run emergency retrievals, primary care clinics and telehealth support across some of the most spread‑out parts of the country.

 

Referring to the new partnership, de Cure says long‑term backing plays a practical role in keeping healthcare accessible outside metropolitan areas. “Partnering with Westpac, an organisation that understands the challenges and opportunities of regional Australia, helps us continue delivering on that mission.”

 

RFDS crews respond to calls from stations, small towns and highways where there are few other options. Doctors, nurses and pilots travel long distances to reach people who wait longer for care than most Australians.

 

Westpac Chief Executive, Business and Wealth, Paul Fowler said many Australians rely on the RFDS at critical moments. “Both our organisations were built to serve regional communities, and that shared purpose makes this partnership especially meaningful,” he says.

 

Westpac becomes the exclusive banking partner of RFDS SA/NT as part of the agreement. Local Westpac teams will also contribute to fundraising efforts that help keep aircraft ready and crews trained. 

 

The partnership sits alongside Westpac’s wider community programs, including support for the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.

 

^{1 Source: AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2025) Rural and remote health}