Media Release
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) will now provide an additional two days of free oral health service to the Theodore community thanks to Senex Energy.
Senex is an Australian domestic natural gas producer operating near Wandoan and Roma with exploration acreage between Theodore and the Cracow region.
The long-time RFDS supporter has committed an additional $30,000 towards the dental service, taking its total contribution to The Flying Doctor to more than $1 million over the past decade.
The RFDS Dental service will now be in Theodore from 1 March through to 16 March, providing greater scope to support the smiles of people living and working in the rural community.
Local residents can book an appointment at the free dental clinic, which offers services such as check-ups, x-rays and extractions, treatment for existing conditions and gum disease, and referrals to specialist services by calling 1800 002 507.
With data showing that the total number of patients serviced at a visiting clinic is strongly correlated with the number of days it is available to the community, this donation will help overcome the accessibility barrier that disproportionately affects those in rural and remote communities.
Senex Chief Executive Officer Ian Davies said he was delighted to support an initiative that helps to enhance the liveability of the region and wellbeing of the community.
“Senex has a long and proud history of keeping the Flying Doctor in the air and in this case, longer on the ground where they’re needed most,” Mr Davies said.
“We recognise the great work the RFDS mobile dental service is doing to provide health resources that are not easily accessed in communities like Theodore.
“As Senex prepares to undertake gas exploration in the local area around Cracow due in the next year, it’s important that we contribute to the community in meaningful and practical ways, just as we have done in the Wandoan and Roma communities where we operate.
“All of us at Senex are excited to continue supporting the RFDS, as well as the people of Theodore through sponsoring this free RFDS dental clinic,” he said.
The RFDS Dental Service was launched ten years ago and has since grown to provide more than 260 annual clinics across more than 20 Queensland locations, servicing over 1,600 patients each year.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said the unwavering generosity of Senex continued to support the Flying Doctor’s holistic health services.
“We are extremely grateful for Senex’s generous donation towards our dental service,” Ms Staib said.
“Along with our aeromedical and emergency retrieval services, the RFDS continues to build upon the holistic health care services that we can provide to Queenslanders, and the support of partners such as Senex is greatly appreciated.”
“Research shows good oral health has a broader impact on communities including improved mental health and wellbeing, physical health outcomes and lower health care costs,” she said.
For a full list of upcoming RFDS Dental Service visits: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/qld/what-we-do/oral-health/
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About Senex:
Senex Energy is a proud Australian producer of low-carbon natural gas committed to securing Australia’s energy future. Sustainable and reliable natural gas from our Surat Basin developments in Queensland power homes and businesses, make essential household goods, and support jobs across the east coast of Australia. Senex was awarded exploration acreage near Cracow in September 2020 as part of the Queensland Government’s gas acreage tender process and has a number of commitments to deliver under this agreement over the coming years.
About the RFDS (Queensland Section):
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Queensland Section is one of the largest and most comprehensive organisations in the world, providing world-class healthcare to more than 98,000 people within Queensland. Our emergency retrieval service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has expanded to include a broad range of essential primary and preventative healthcare services, including telehealth, mental health, oral health and health promotion. The RFDS acknowledges the support of QCoal Group, QCoal foundation and the Australian Government in establishing the RFDS Dental Service in 2013.
