Flying Pharmacist Takes To The Skies For Royal Fundraiser

Fifteen days, more than 3,880 kilometres, nine stops and one aircraft. That’s the journey that a Forbes pharmacist, and two regional farmers, will embark on later this year for the 2025 Outback Air Race to raise vital money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Forbes Flying Pharmacist Jack Buckley will join Cowra’s Brad Shephard, known as the Farmer from Downunder, and Gren­fell farmer John Johnson, in the aviation event in August. More than 40 teams will fly across the Australian outback, over two weeks, in support of the RFDS.

“As a healthcare professional I have in­credible respect and admiration for the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Managing partner of Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes, Jack Buckley, said.

“The RFDS is such an integral part of healthcare delivery in outback Australia and having lived in Forbes for almost a decade now, I have seen the importance of this service firsthand.

All three pilots helped residents across the region during the NSW flood crisis of November 2022, flying supplies to towns along the Lachlan River. Together the trio is called ‘Flying4Phun’ and they are hoping to raise $100,000 for the RFDS.

“All funds will go towards outfitting RFDS aircraft with essential medical equipment, vital for treating sick children and injured patients across Australia.” Jack said.

The 2025 Outback Air Race will take place from 22 August to 8 September. To donate visit: Team 22 – Flyin4phun in Out­back Air Race 2025.