The Hon Tony McGrady AM has been a passionate advocate for communities across the North West as Chair of the LifeFlight Mt Isa Regional Advisory Committee since LifeFlight first came to town in 2014.
Now after more than 10 years of service to LifeFlight and 60 years of public life dedicated to the Mt Isa community, Mr McCrady is hanging up the gloves – well maybe just one – there’s a bit to do yet.
The former Mt Isa Mayor, State Government Minister, Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, dedicated community leader and successful company director, has stepped down as Chair of the not-for-profit aeromedical organisation and will take on a role alongside wife Sandra as LifeFlight North West Ambassadors.
Mr McGrady said it’s been a privilege to advocate for vital aeromedical services in the region, dating back to 2014 when LifeFlight was in merger conversations with NQ Rescue.
“It has been a real honour to Chair the LifeFlight Regional Advisory Committee and to see the evolution of critical health care in the North West,” he said.
“While I’m taking a back seat regarding the formal responsibilities of the committee, Sandra and I will remain actively involved with LifeFlight and its presence in the region as ambassadors and delegates.
“The community will continue to hear from us as we remain passionate voices for initiatives which ensure equity of healthcare to remote and rural areas, while we strengthen our relationships with friends of LifeFlight and promote the excellent work it does.”
Mr McGrady was also acknowledged as an inductee into the Wings of LifeFlight, a program which recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the organisation.
During his decade-long stint as Chair, some of his achievements included; working with Royal Flying Doctor’s Service to ensure the vital services by both organisations are delivered efficiently across the region as well as establishing the new $30m Mt Isa aeromedical facility..
He has raised awareness around the importance of the service in remote regions, and secured funding from the Queensland Government to upgrade the aircraft to the state-of-the-art AW139 to better meet service requirements for the region.
Mr McGrady was also instrumental as former Speaker of the Queensland Parliament to bring the annual Regional Advisory Committee Forums to Parliament House where an annual LifeFlight dinner is held.
Part of his legacy is investment in infrastructure and jobs through the new Mt Isa aeromedical facility currently under construction and co-funded by the Federal and State Governments.
The base will co-locate LifeFlight and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to secure the future of aeromedical rescues in the region.
LifeFlight Foundation Chair, Stewart Morland, thanked Mr McGrady for his tireless efforts.
“LifeFlight wouldn’t be what it is in Mt Isa today without the unwavering commitment by Tony McGrady and wife Sandra,” Mr Morland said.
“We are delighted that his passion and support for the organisation will continue. He has left an indelible legacy.
“And even as Tony has decided to step away, he has ensured this legacy is left in the hands of an icon of the North West, Mayor John Wharton.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to welcome Mayor Wharton, who will step into the Chair role. It is important to acknowledge that John has been working alongside Tony and LifeFlight since the LifeFlight journey began in 2014.
“He has been a passionate and vocal advocate on behalf of the entire community.”
Cr Wharton was first elected to the Richmond Shire Council in 1991 and went on to become Mayor in 1997, later earning the accolade as longest serving Mayor in Queensland Local Government.
While the primary focus of the service is responding to medical emergencies, Queensland’s longest serving Mayor is perfectly placed to ensure the new AW139 helicopter is fully utilised across all emergency services across the region.
Cr Wharton is a cattle industry doyen having owned properties in the Richmond and Etheridge shires.
“The Government’s decision to provide funding to upgrade LifeFlight’s service to an AW139 as part of the new 10-year service agreement with Queensland Health will deliver greater reach into our region, improved medical response and better outcomes for the community,” said Cr Wharton.
Stewart Morland said Cr Wharton would relish the position and provide valuable counsel and guidance.
“Mayor Wharton has been an absolutely fantastic supporter of this service for over 10 years. His vast skills, deep understanding of the region and experienced leadership will mean LifeFlight services and the community will be well represented into the future.”
LifeFlight’s Mt Isa operations last year helped 115 people – a 20 per cent increase on the previous year as demand continues to soar.
