Support rural and remote communities across Australia – donate here to make a difference

Delivering emergency relief

Our work

Help when you need it most

When disaster strikes, it doesn’t discriminate based on location. Crucial health services in rural and remote communities, already stretched to their limits, are often impacted.

It’s the single-doctor town whose clinic and equipment didn’t make it. Townspeople cut off from lifesaving health services. Or areas simply over-run with illness or injury. Unprepared and ill-equipped.

And it’s also the mental scars. Being on the frontline while the community you care deeply for is plunged into despair. When there’s no one to “de-brief” with,  and it’s all personal.

It’s health professionals working harder than ever to save lives. 

Even when their own homes, own families and own lives are on the line. In times like these, remote and rural communities need their health professionals more than ever.

That’s why we’re here for them with emergency health funding.

We understand you are feeling overwhelmed so the application process is easy. We have resources to learn from others who have been where you are. They share strategies to cope during this difficult time.

Flood image_Lismore

Helping in crisis is at the core of what we do and why

The 2011 floods rendered many health services in the bush inoperative. This devastating event was the catalyst for establishing Rural Doctors Foundation.

We are there in times of emergency so rural and remote communities and their doctors have the support they need.

Eligibility criteria for emergency relief

Emergency relief applications must meet the following criteria:
Applications will NOT be accepted from:

Emergency funding to get medical practices up and running

Resources to help you rebuild after disaster

Help us keep rural health services running in times of disaster

Responding in times of crisis

When devastating floods hit Ingham, Queensland, rural GPs continued caring for their community despite personal losses. Rural Doctors Foundation responded with emergency funding, replacement medical equipment and hardship support, helping the local practice stay open when it was needed most.

Help when needed most for Lismore GP

After devastating floods that destroyed Keen Street Clinic in Lismore, Rural Doctors Foundation launched an emergency appeal to help the practice rebuild. Community-funded support replaced essential equipment, enabling the clinic to resume care and remain a vital community anchor.