Rio Tinto has committed $14.6 million to Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Queensland to expand healthcare services across regional and remote communities over the next five years.
The five-year social impact partnership will enhance telehealth services, expand mental health support, introduce podiatry to improve chronic disease management, and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in remote communities.
Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium managing director Armando Torres said the partnership builds on years of collaboration.
“This $14.675 million investment will support early intervention and culturally safe psychological care in high-need areas, expand 24–7 virtual triage services, and strengthen chronic disease management to reduce preventable hospitalisations,” Torres said.
“This partnership is about making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people living in some of Queensland’s most remote and hard-to-reach areas.”
RFDS Queensland chief executive Meredith Staib said the partnership would deliver measurable improvements in healthcare delivery.
“I can’t thank Rio Tinto enough for their commitment to improving the health of regional Queenslanders,” Staib said.
“This agreement will be a catalyst for change in the health and wellbeing of people living in some of the most remote parts of the state — from enabling earlier intervention and preventive care, to supporting better management of complex and chronic conditions closer to home.”
Staib said nearly 35 per cent of RFDS patients identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, highlighting the importance of culturally safe care.
“This partnership with Rio Tinto is more than funding, it reflects a shared commitment to changing the trajectory of health in rural and remote Queensland,” she said.
“It stands as a model for what’s possible when two purpose-driven organisations come together to remove barriers, improve access, and deliver care where it’s needed most.”
The funding will also support expanded mental health services.
RFDS state manager mental health Tim Driscoll said the investment will have an immediate impact.
“With Rio Tinto’s support, we can expand our mental health services into some of Queensland’s most remote communities, placing clinicians where they’re needed most,” Driscoll said. “That gives individuals and families earlier access to quality psychological care, close to home.”
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Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
