General News
18 August, 2022
2022 Cairns RFDS Local Hero Award winner announced
A woman who saved her friend’s life on a remote Cape York cattle station has been crowned the 2022 RFDS Local Hero Award winner for the Cairns region.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) announced this week its eight regional Local Hero Award winners for 2022.
The annual Awards, supported by Ergon Energy Retail, recognise Queenslanders who have donated their time and energy to support their community.
Emma Jackson lives on Wolverton Station on the Cape York Peninsula. In late December last year, Emma’s friend Karryn Dolan and her husband Peter were visiting the Station when Karryn suffered a ‘widow-maker’ heart attack.
With the town of Coen more than an hour’s drive away, and the nearest hospital hundreds of kilometres away, Emma used the defibrillator machine on the property and performed CPR for an hour to help Peter bring his wife back to life.
Karryn was taken by ambulance to Coen, where the RFDS stabilised her and flew her to Cairns Base Hospital, where, thanks to Emma’s bravery and nevergive-up spirit, she fully recovered.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib congratulated Emma on winning the 2022 RFDS Local Hero Award for the Cairns region.
“Often local heroes within our communities are quiet achievers who don’t always recognise themselves as heroes – but they absolutely are,” Ms Staib said.
“From first responders and fundraisers to volunteers, fashion designers and healthcare champions, each of these individuals do amazing work to support their region.
“Some also have their own first-hand experience of the life-saving work of the RFDS, which has personally driven them to give back to their community.
“Supporting Queensland communities is at the heart of the RFDS, and it truly is a team effort, so thank you to all of this year’s winners and nominees for the unwavering support you provide to your communities each and every day.”
Ergon Energy Retail Executive General Manager Ayesha Razzaq said to be able to recognise the selfless dedication of the eight regional RFDS Local Hero Award winners is truly an honour.
“This is a wonderful way of celebrating the brilliant local people and groups, who make our communities so special through their passion and kindness,” Ms Razzaq said.
“This is our seventh year as a proud partner of the awards, and each year I am both inspired and humbled by their efforts.”
Ms Staib said voting is now open for the overall 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero.
“Each regional winner’s story is showcased in a video package on the Local Hero website. You can watch these videos and cast your vote for the person or group you would like to see crowned this year’s Queensland Hero,” she said.
To vote for the 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero, go to www.rfdslocalhero.com.au
