RFDS SA/NT has announced that S. Kidman & Co, one of Australia’s largest beef producers, will continue as its ‘Jet Partner’ for another four years.
The renewed multi-million-dollar sponsorship comes after many years of generous support from the iconic Australian company, including the foundational four-year jet partnership in 2019 to help get the first RFDS PC-24 aeromedical jet off the ground in South Australia.
Today, a second RFDS PC-24 is based in the Northern Territory. Both co-badged with the S. Kidman & Co brand in recognition of its tangible support, the two aeromedical jets airlift more than 800 patients each year.
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, the primary mission of the RFDS PC-24s is to swiftly transfer critically ill patients, including those in need of neurosurgical, stroke and spinal care, from remote areas to (and between) major medical centres like Adelaide, Melbourne and Darwin.
The only aeromedical jet in the country with the capacity to carry three stretchered patients and four clinicians on the same mission, the RFDS PC-24s enable RFDS crews to respond to remote multi-patient trauma incidents, conduct long-haul transportation for infants requiring life-saving surgery to travel with their families, and support the repatriation of larger groups of recovering patients.
The Hon Adam Giles, CEO of S. Kidman & Co and Hancock Agriculture, announced the extended sponsorship before 1,000 guests at the signature RFDS ‘Wings for Life’ Gala Ball in Adelaide.
“Together, our partnership with RFDS represents a highly regarded union of two proud Aussie brands with shared values, united in their mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those in Australia’s outback,” Mr Giles said.
As part of the broader partnership, S. Kidman & Co will also be positioned as RFDS SA/NT’s preferred supplier of apparel for its corporate and operational staff uniforms, including provision of its recently acquired brands, Rossi Boots and Driza-Bone.
RFDS SA/NT’s Executive General Manager Strategy, Brand & Reputation, Charlie Paterson, said the RFDS was extremely grateful to S. Kidman & Co and Hancock Prospecting for its ongoing commitment towards supporting the RFDS and its delivery of the finest care to the furthest corner.
This included the generous donation in 2020 from Mrs Gina Rinehart and the Rinehart Medical Foundation to the RFDS at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to purchase additional medical equipment and build ‘surge capacity’ to respond to rural and remote communities.
“The impact of S. Kidman & Co’s tangible contribution to our work is far reaching, and we are honoured to have both RFDS PC-24s badged with the S. Kidman & Co logo for the next four years,” Mr Paterson said.
Jet Partner
