John Flynn's Achievements
John Flynn had six main achievements;
1. Flynn achieved his career goal of being ordained as a Minister of the Presbyterian Church on the 24th of January in the year 1911 when he was 30 years of age
2. Flynn was granted Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1933
3. In 1939 Flynn was chosen as Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia
4. He made history as The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (which he created) was the first aero-medical service in the world
5. John Flynn has more memorials dedicated to him than any other Australian
6. John Flynn is featured on the Australian 20 dollar note
1. Flynn achieved his career goal of being ordained as a Minister of the Presbyterian Church on the 24th of January in the year 1911 when he was 30 years of age
2. Flynn was granted Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1933
3. In 1939 Flynn was chosen as Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia
4. He made history as The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (which he created) was the first aero-medical service in the world
5. John Flynn has more memorials dedicated to him than any other Australian
6. John Flynn is featured on the Australian 20 dollar note
Memorial in Victoria
Front Inscription
The very Rev. John Flynn 1880-1951 OBE DD Founder of the Australian Inland Mission and the Flying Doctor Service was born at Moliagul opposite this spot.
He spread a mantle of safety over inland Australia, by aviation, radio and medicine, and brought spiritual comfort, gladness and rejoicing.
`Across the lonely places of the land, he planted kindness and gathered love`
Front Inscription
The very Rev. John Flynn 1880-1951 OBE DD Founder of the Australian Inland Mission and the Flying Doctor Service was born at Moliagul opposite this spot.
He spread a mantle of safety over inland Australia, by aviation, radio and medicine, and brought spiritual comfort, gladness and rejoicing.
`Across the lonely places of the land, he planted kindness and gathered love`
Kent Watson, (2013), John Flynn Memorial [ONLINE]. Available at: http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/humanitarian/display/32656-john-flynn-memorial [Accessed 10 July 13].
The 20 Dollar Note (and an explanation of each feature on it)
The John Flynn Story | Royal Flying Doctor Service . 2013. Featured on the 20 dollar note . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/About-Us/Our-History/The-John-Flynn-Story/. [Accessed 19 July 2013].
John Flynn's Contributions
To John Flynn his main achievements would be the difference and contribution that he has made to Australia’s wider society. Flynn's major contributions to Australia are:
To summarise Flynn's contributions, it can be said that he changed the lives for people living in the rural areas of Australia. A contribution that is still helping thousands today.
- Throughout the year 1903 he would serve in the bush within the pioneering districts of beech forest and Buchan and without being actually qualified as a minister he would preach the gospel, changing peoples lives
- Working as a missionary setting up 10 different hostels/centres in northern South Australia (the first in 1909 and last in 1926)Farmers and people living in the bush were provided with books and magazines, medical treatment for basic illness and injury, and the repair of needed items such as clocks.
- Flynn created a book of hints for people living in the outback, which was called "The Bushman's Companion". This book was completed and published in September 1910. It contained Bible readings, hymns, prayers, a funeral service, first aid information, and practical advice e.g. postal information, a calendar, making a will.
- In 1912 Flynn led a new organisation, which was called the Australian inland mission, this set up 15 hospitals for people living in the outback in areas which otherwise would not have them.
- Creating a magazine called "The Islander" in 1913 which raised awareness for one of the first times for the safety issues of people living in rural areas
- Flynn came up with the solution for improving the safety of people living in remote rural areas being airplanes flying doctors and nurses to the people and on the 17th of May 1928 Flynn made it happen. This was the start to what is now known as The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and helps save the lives of thousands of people today.
- In 1929 the radio pedal was developed with the help and inspiration of Flynn. This meant that people living in isolation were able to call on the Flying Doctor to assist them in an emergency. It also led to School of the Air, where people in the outback can gain an education through the radio, which otherwise they would not be able to do. This is still used today, particulary in the Northern Territory and is considered a first class education.
To summarise Flynn's contributions, it can be said that he changed the lives for people living in the rural areas of Australia. A contribution that is still helping thousands today.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Today
Karma currency Foundation, (2012), Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.karmacurrency.com.au/charity/Royal-Flying-Doctor-Service-of-Australia [Accessed 09 July 13].