Australian team and the Flying Doctor celebrate a major milestone

While the Australian team seeks a world-record 17th consecutive Test win in the 3 mobile Perth Test, they will be involved in another major milestone on Day 1.

Cricket Australia’s official charity partner the Royal Flying Doctor Service this year celebrates its 80th birthday and the Australian team will help start these celebrations by wearing a commemorative shirt on Day 1 of the 3 mobile Perth Test that features the RFDS logo.

Players will sign the shirt after play before it is donated to the RFDS, who will auction the shirts to the public from www.flyingdoctor.net . The auctions will raise much needed funds for the vital service that the Flying Doctor provides for all Australians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, while awareness of the RFDS will reach an international audience through broadcasts of the days play.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland is proud that the Australian cricket team can play a part in helping this Australian institution:

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been the official charity partner of Cricket Australia since 2006 and it is a privilege to be standing alongside them at such an important milestone in their history.”

“It is my hope that the day raises funds for the Flying Doctor but more importantly takes the spotlight that is generated by the Australian cricket team and puts some of it on to the vital work the Flying Doctor does every day” Sutherland said.

Royal Flying Doctor Service National Chairman, Tim Fischer AC, said the service was both excited and honoured to have its logo displayed on shirts worn by the Australian cricket team during the Perth Test.

“The baggy green cap and Royal Flying Doctor Service are totemic symbols in Australian history,” Mr Fischer said.

“It is apt that a cricket match played in one of the world’s most remote cities should commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provides medical services to some of the world’s most isolated communities.

“Australians are justifiably proud of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Aussie cricket side; they are both uniquely Australian and great success stories.

“We are very grateful that each Australian player will sign his first-day shirt and make it available for auction to raise much needed funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”