Caring for grey nomads

If you fall seriously ill while travelling in desert Australia, you may be thankful you stopped off in Birdsville and had a bet at the Races.

Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre researcher, Dr Ann Ingamells, says that the money raised by the celebrated outback sporting event helps to fund the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) that might bear you to safety.

With the rise of the ‘grey nomad and 4WD travel in remote regions – reported to be on the increase as the world economy crumbles and more Aussies decide to holiday at home – small desert communities like Birdsville and Bedourie in south western Queensland are doing everything they can to protect the health and safety of visitors.

“There’s a truly remarkable level of caring in small communities like these, that you don’t always see elsewhere – not only for their own people, but also those who are just passing through,” says Dr Ingamells.

“For example the local community lobbied hard to get 4WD ambulances in Birdsville and Bedourie and they fundraise to ensure those ambulances have up to date equipment. This ensures travellers who become sick or have accidents will be well taken care of. The proceeds from the races and other fundraising activities by the local business community go to the RFDS.

“If you knock the ball off the pool table in the Birdsville pub, you’ll be asked to donate a gold coin to the RFDS.”

The effort also extends to highly practical measures by the local Shire, such as seeing the roads used by 4WD visitors are well-graded and safe, or maintaining a high quality local clinic staffed by experienced medical staff which can see that passers-through receive quality healthcare even though they may be many kilometres from the nearest hospital.

“These are all examples of the community spirit displayed by small desert communities both towards their own people and visitors from outside,” Dr Ingamells says.

“They help explain why very small and remote communities are so resilient, so able to cope on their own resources.”

With the rise of ‘grey nomadism’ the issue of safety and being able to obtain help and healthcare when needed is emerging as an important issue in remote Australia.

“Travelling in remote areas can be risky for anyone, and older travellers may think twice about being so far from doctors and services. Small desert communities like Birdsville and Bedourie make it safer for everyone – residents and travellers alike,” she says.

In return, Ingamells says, travellers can support local communities by staying a day longer, by eating out, by shopping in the local store instead of stocking up in big centres.

“Local business is the lifeblood of these small, remote communities and some travellers are inclined to bypass them. But when you consider the care they are now putting into looking after visitors, it isn’t a lot to ask to support the local economy that in turn looks after you.

“It means that travel in desert Australia can be much safer, healthier and more enjoyable – for everyone.”