Australian Inland Mission

Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum at Lake Grace, Western Australia

Australian Inland Mission (AIM) is a pioneering service organization founded by the Presbyterian Church of Australia in 1912. Its establishment was primarily driven by the vision of the Reverend John Flynn, who sought to provide spiritual, social, and medical care to people living in remote areas of Australia. The AIM played a crucial role in the development of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organizations in the world.

History

The inception of the Australian Inland Mission was marked by the recognition of the vast distances and challenging conditions faced by inhabitants of Australia's inland areas. These conditions often left communities isolated, with limited access to essential services, particularly in the realms of healthcare and spiritual guidance. In response, John Flynn envisioned a network of patrol ministers and medical services that could bridge the gap for these remote populations.

In 1928, the AIM expanded its services with the establishment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), initially known as the Aerial Medical Service. This initiative was groundbreaking, utilizing aircraft to deliver medical assistance and emergency services to people in remote locations across Australia. The RFDS became a separate entity in 1934 but remained closely associated with the mission and ethos of the AIM.

Services and Impact

The Australian Inland Mission developed a comprehensive approach to servicing remote communities, which included:

- **Patrol Padres**: These were ministers who traveled across remote areas to conduct church services, perform weddings, and provide general spiritual and emotional support to the inhabitants. - **Hostels and Hospitals**: AIM established several hostels and hospitals in remote areas to provide accommodation and medical care to people living in or traveling through these regions. - **Communication Services**: Understanding the importance of communication in overcoming isolation, AIM supported the development of radio networks, which later evolved into the School of the Air, providing education to children in remote locations.

Legacy

The legacy of the Australian Inland Mission is profound, having laid the groundwork for several key services that continue to support remote and rural communities in Australia. Its innovative approach to addressing the challenges of distance and isolation has had a lasting impact on the delivery of healthcare, education, and spiritual support in these areas.

The work initiated by the AIM has been continued by the Frontier Services, a unit of the Uniting Church in Australia, which was formed in 1977 following the union of several churches, including the Presbyterian Church. Frontier Services upholds the mission's commitment to supporting remote and rural Australians.

See Also

• John Flynn
• Royal Flying Doctor Service
• Presbyterian Church of Australia
• Uniting Church in Australia
• Frontier Services