Over the past three years, Angel Flight has responded to the growing need for air transport services that support health professionals traveling to rural and remote areas. With approximately seven million Australians living outside major cities—where rates of hospitalisation, injury, and limited access to primary healthcare are significantly higher—timely medical support is more critical than ever. Angel Flight has stepped up to meet this challenge, flying health professionals across Australia to provide essential care in the bush before returning them home.
In June 2024, Angel Flight partnered with local Kangaroo Island doctors to launch a vital initiative aimed at strengthening the island’s medical services. This program provides on-demand air transport, flying medical professionals directly from Adelaide or Aldinga to Kangaroo Island, ensuring more reliable and efficient healthcare delivery.
By replacing half a day of travel with a swift 30-minute flight, doctors have gained valuable hours to spend with patients, significantly increasing consultation time and expanding access to specialised services. The initiative also ensures doctors can arrive and depart on time, preventing disruptions to schedules and alleviating pressure on other GPs.
At the heart of these flights is pilot Owen Crees, who has been instrumental in transporting doctors between Aldinga and Kangaroo Island, often also assisting patients needing a ride to Adelaide for specialist care. With nearly 500 Angel Flight missions under his belt over the past 17 years, Owen’s dedication has made a profound impact—not just on this initiative, but across the broader Angel Flight community.
Since launching the Kangaroo Island medical transport program, Angel Flight has completed 59 flights for many thankful doctors. Given its success, the not-for-profit is committed to continuing the service into 2025, with plans to extend transport to allied health professionals, whose expertise is in high demand on the island.
Like all programs, sustainability relies on funding. Recognising the vital role health professionals play in their community, Kangaroo Island locals have rallied behind the initiative, organising raffles, sausage sizzles, and making personal donations to keep it going. Angel Flight and Kangaroo Island Medics are hopeful this incredible community support continues as we advocate for local and state government backing, working towards making this service a permanent fixture for Kangaroo Island.
