RFDS Local Hero Awards
Georgie Arnold, the Aviatrix International Manager, has been honoured as the 2024 RFDS Local Hero for the Townsville Region. After stepping in as Aviatrix manager, Georgie made it her mission to build the relationship between Aviatrix and the RFDS and assist wherever and whenever. This recognition comes as a result of her efforts throughout the three years to raise awareness and fundraise.
Georgie created Aviatrix Airwaves, an aviation-inspired podcast that has been capturing the hearts and minds of aviation enthusiasts around the world. The podcast delves into fascinating stories and interviews from the aviation industry, shedding light on the passion and innovation that drive it. The first season was dedicated to the RFDS and she was also grateful to have Vicki, RFDS pilot on the podcast for an episode.
This dedication to the RFDS stems from her family’s heartfelt gratitude and commitment to supporting the organisation’s life-saving mission after receiving assistance when they needed it most. Georgie’s brother Sam was born at the Mount Isa Hospital with a diaphragmatic hernia, a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm. At the time, the family were told he had a 10% chance of survival. Given the urgency of his condition, the RFDS was called to airlift Sam from Mount Isa to Townsville for life-saving surgery.
Without the expertise of the aeromedical team, Georgie would be without her big brother and best friend.
Aviatrix community, the opportunity to further support Georgie's mission. You can cast your vote every 24 hours, and the winner will receive a $20,000 grant provided by Ergon Energy Retail. This grant will be used to create or support a health or wellbeing initiative within the community, amplifying Georgie's impact even further.