Flynn residents were among invited guests and more than a thousand supporters at the 80th birthday celebrations of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Sydney on Sunday (18 May).
The Flynn contingent accepted an invitation to be shown around the Flying Doctor’s Bankstown Airport base and take part in the festivities that included tours of modern and historic aircraft, vintage cars, historical displays, kids hanger and talks by doctors, nurses, engineers and dignitaries.
The invitation followed 35 years of close connection between the Flynn community, the Flying Doctors and the legacy of its founder, John Flynn – ‘Flynn of the Inland’ – after whom the suburb was named.
Flynn residents presented the Flying Doctors South East Region President, John Gall with a copy of the school heritage nomination that outlines much of the shared history. The nomination, which is currently being considered by the ACT Heritage Council, records the bi-plane shape of the Flynn school, the involvement of the Flying Doctors and the families of John Flynn and Dr George Simpson (second in charge) in the school, the community and the memorials established in the suburb.
“It was really special to be invited and take part in the 80th birthday for one of Australia’s most needed and best loved services,” according to Flynn spokesperson, Roger Nicoll. “We learned a lot, had a lot of fun and were grateful to hear that the Flying Doctors value our shared history as much as we do.”