When the residents of Warren NSW looked like being left without a GP service last year after Rural and Remote Medical Services (RARMS) were forced to pull up stumps due to spiralling costs, the aeromedical charity Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) came to the town’s aid and took over the existing medical practise. 

With sustainability being an ongoing challenge for the group, the local community has decided to ‘give back’ by holding a fundraising event to benefit the Warren RFDS medical centre. 

The Warren Health Action Committee (WHAC) and local Rotarians are the coordinators of the event, to be held at the historic Nevertire Hall.

“These are challenging times for all regional health providers,” said WHAC Chairperson Rod Sandell. “There is a shortage of medical professionals across the board and operating costs are only going up.  

"We are so grateful to the RFDS for delivering quality healthcare in our community. That’s why we want to support the RFDS, just as they have supported us. Sustainability of the service is sometimes on a knife edge and it’s a critical service because without them, our community has no GP. That’s why we want to put on a successful fundraising evening.” 

For the ticket price, guests will enjoy a delicious meal as well as an evening of quality entertainment, provided by the Storer family, Frances and Nick Evans (of Warren Chamber Music Festival fame) and the Sing Warren Choir. 

“We’re very fortunate to have secured the services of some wonderful local musos,” Rod enthused. A guest speaker from the RFDS will also be in attendance on the night to provide information regarding the practise, including the current services offered, expansion plans and what level of support is needed from the community going forward.  “It will be a night of good information, good food and good music, along with the chance to win some pretty fantastic prizes!” 

Prizes for the raffles and a charity auction have been donated by a large group of generous sponsors. 

“Some of the items on offer include luxury weekends away. Many of our local businesses and organisations are supporting the event in some manner, and we are very grateful for that. We even have the local high school involved, “explained Rod. “The hospitality students will be preparing pre-dinner nibbles and after dinner sweets, to go along with a camp oven meal being cooked by members of the Gunningbar Creek Fishing Club.” 

Whilst the bulk of the money raised on the night will go to the RFDS, a portion will be given back to the Nevertire Hall Trust.

“We’re holding the event at the community hall in Nevertire because they also need our support, after the severe storm that virtually destroyed the place,” Rod said. “It’s been out of action for two years since the tornado and there’s been a lot of hard work done to repair and restore it, but there are still a few finishing touches done.”   

The Nevertire Hall Trust works to keep the hall going because it is a vital hub for the Nevertire community and an important part of the history of the district. 



The venue for the event, the Nevertire Hall, will also receive some love from the local fundraisers.

Built just before WWII, the venue, like many other rural community halls, has long been a part of the social fabric of the village.

“Over the years there’s been many events and soirees held there, and by holding our event at the hall, we are continuing that history. It’s sad to see so many of these types of venues in small villages going to wrack and ruin, and it’s marvelous that the Nevertire community are working so hard to not only preserve this building, but to continue to use it for its intended purpose.” 

Rod says that a third of the RFDS’ funding comes from state and federal government; the balance is made up from donations, fundraising and revenue from the provision of medical services.

“We have many vulnerable people in our shire, including the elderly, First Nations, the chronically ill and others who experience socio-economic disadvantage. Being able to access GP services in town and not be forced to travel over 100km to get them, is of vital importance.” 

Along with the WHAC, Warren Shire Council played a key role in securing the services of the RFDS, in their capacity as landlord and owner of Warren’s purpose-built medical centre.

“It’s not just the current residents that need GP services,” says Warren Shire Council GM Gary Woodman. “Decent educational facilities, quality housing, and a reliable medical service, are all essential to ensuring that we can attract investment and new families to our community.   We have an aging population who are reliant upon being able to access locally based health services. It’s important that we as a community, do what we can to support the RFDS.” 

In closing, Rod says that he is hoping for a good roll up. “We’ve had great support already and would love to see people purchase a ticket, come along, have a great night out, and support our local RFDS Medical Practice.”