VU launches new partnership with Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria

Victoria University (VU) announces a major partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria boosting opportunities for students in health, business, research and IT disciplines.  

VU and RFDS Vic have been worked together on initiatives since 2017, however today’s historic partnership launched at VU City Tower marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration, resulting in a range of opportunities for VU TAFE and higher education students, including internships, employment pathways, research projects, and professional development.   

VU is proud to provide Australasia’s largest undergraduate program in paramedicine, with around 800 students each year. This renewed partnership will build on an existing foundation made up of shared values and dedication to pursue innovative initiatives in paramedicine and allied health. 

VU Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Relations and Partnerships, The Hon Wade Noonan said the signing of this major partnership between the RFDS Vic and VU marks an important milestone for both organisations. 

“Our students will gain valuable opportunities through placements, internships, student-led projects, and employment pathways. It will also provide opportunities for Masters and Higher Degree by Research students to complete projects that support RFDS’s business needs. 

“One of the key things VU looks for in any partnership is strong ethical alignment, and in that regard, we couldn’t be prouder of this new landmark agreement.”  

As the largest aeromedical organisation in the world, RFDS Vic is an iconic institution synonymous with providing quality medical services, especially for those living in rural and remote parts of the country, ensuring geography is not a barrier to accessing quality and potentially life-saving care. 

Utilising their 87 aircraft and nearly 300 road vehicles, the combined fleet transports hundreds of patients each day. In 2023/2024, RFDS transported 32,949 patients by air and 53,914 patients by road. 

Dr Michael Ben-Meir, Chief Executive Officer Victoria Royal Flying Doctor Service said, “At RFDS Victoria, we know that health is more than the absence of illness – it is about connection, care, and opportunity. This partnership with VU strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise.

Together, we’re creating pathways for students to gain real-world experience, supporting professional development for our teams, and driving research that combines frontline insight with academic expertise.

This next phase of collaboration is built on trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to the communities we serve – because when we work together, we can influence policy, shape systems, and make lasting change.”

VU Bachelor of Paramedicine student, Katie Smithwick is the recipient of a RFDS Vic 2025 Give Them Wings scholarship, which provides one-off financial assistance ($6,000 cash bursary) and offers undergraduate students the privilege of learning from the best by spending a week with a highly skilled team of professionals as they respond to the diverse range of demands. 

“I decided to pursue a career in Paramedicine because I believe that everyone deserves equal health care, and it is extremely rewarding to be able to show up for someone and provide not only lifesaving intervention but reassurance on potentially their worst day. What an honour it is to be in this position,” Katie said.

This important partnership occurs the same week VU shared images of the Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine (CoEP), an Australian first based at VU’s Sunshine Campus. 

Jointly funded by the Victorian Government and VU, the CoEP was co-designed by students, staff, Ambulance Victoria, industry. RFDS Victoria’s Chief Operating Officer Anthony Carlyon is a member of the Advisory Committee for the new centre. The committee represents an experienced and skilled cross section of industry experts in paramedicine and emergency management, combined with national leaders across government, simulation and academic pursuits covering paramedicine, public health, indigenous affairs, local jobs first and diversity.