1. CHAPTER 2
John Flynn
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

2. Rev John Flynn
Founder of the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service/Frontier Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

3. His life Born 25 November 1880 at Moliagul, Victoria
In 1907 began studying to be a minister at the University of Melbourne
Ordained Presbyterian minister 24 January 1911
Wrote The Bushman’s Companion – first aid to funerals
In 1912, after his survey of needs in the outback, John Flynn was appointed superintendent of the Australian Inland Mission
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

4. His life 1913 – Begun to publish The Inlander newsletter
1929 – Helped to introduce the pedal radio to the outback
1931 – Married Jean Baird (he was 51)
1933 – Admitted to the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
1934 – Established the Australian Aerial Medical Service
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

5. His life 1939 – Appointed Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church
1942 – The Australian Aerial Medical Service was renamed the Flying Doctor Service
5 May 1951 – Died of cancer
John Flynn cremated on 23 May 1951 – his ashes rest under the Flynn Memorial near Alice Springs
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

6. His mission
Through his survey and his interest in photography, he developed a love and concern for the bush and the outback.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

7. Flynn helped to address the problems of the outback which included:
His mission
Flynn helped to address the problems of the outback which included:
isolation
poor medical care
need for spiritual guidance/ministry
lack of communication
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

8. His mission To address these problems, Flynn helped to develop:
an aerial medical service
patrol padres
radio communications
These services helped to create a ‘mantle of safety over the inland’.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

9. Aerial Medical Service
On the 17 May 1928, the first call was received by the Aerial Medical Service.
Dr Kenyon Welsh and the pilot Arthur Affleck flew a De Havilland 50 (which had been leased from QANTAS) from Cloncurry to Julia Creek in Queensland.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

10. His mission
The Royal Flying Doctor Service grew out of John Flynn’s vision and hard work.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

11. Patrol padres
John Flynn pioneered the appointment of ‘patrol padres’ to outback areas.
These padres could provide pastoral care as well as baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Like the Flying Doctors, padres use aeroplanes as well as 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

12. Radio communications
In order to give outback communities access to doctors, padres and each other, Flynn promoted the development and use of the pedal radio:
developed by Alfred Traeger
powered by bicycle pedals
originally Morse code, then voice
The RDFS today uses modern satellite technology.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

13. His memorial
1956 – the John Flynn Memorial Church was dedicated in Alice Springs. ‘Flynn of the Inland’ is remembered by many in outback Australia.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

14. His legacy
In 1977, the Australian Inland Mission of the Presbyterian Church became the Frontier Services of the Uniting Church.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

15. His honours John Flynn appears on the $20 note.
An aeroplane, pedal radio, medical figure and a padre on a camel are featured – examples from Flynn’s life.
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012

16. His legacy
‘His hands are stretched out like a benediction over the land’ – Governor-General Sir William Slim
‘He was a dreamer, and a visionary … and his dream was to make the outback secure’ – Rev Dr Fred McKay (Flynn’s successor)
Cambridge University Press © Hartney, Noble 2012