Flying Doctor runs screening camp in Kingoonya

The Flying Doctor has delivered a three-day health camp in the remote community of Kingoonya, focusing on prevention and early screening for bowel cancer.

The initiative, hosted last month by the RFDS and Preventive Health SA, aimed to increase local engagement with a health issue often avoided because of shame or embarrassment.

Key Points

The RFDS Health Camp  centred on bowel screening and preventative care. According to the organisers, bowel cancer is treatable in more than 90 per cent of cases when found early, underscoring the value of regular screening and timely follow-up. Eleven Kingoonya community members welcomed the RFDS team and participated in screening activities, which were run in familiar settings on Country to encourage participation and reduce barriers.

The program was hosted by the RFDS and Preventive Health SA and brought a multidisciplinary team to Kingoonya to deliver health education activities. The visiting clinicians included:

• A Rural Generalist
• A Mental Health Clinician
• A Dietitian
• A Community Health Nurse

Pitjantjatjara and Kokatha woman and RFDS Aboriginal Health Practitioner Kristen Besant said the approach was designed to support local engagement and cultural safety. She emphasised that delivering education on Country in familiar community settings helps break down barriers to participation in programs that people may otherwise avoid.

“To have 11 community members actively engage in vital screening, who had never been screened for bowel cancer, highlights how culturally appropriate approaches can make a real difference,” Kristen Besant, a RFDS Aboriginal Health Practitioner said.

Organisers said bringing services from the city to the outback was particularly important for communities such as Kingoonya, which is more than 600 kilometres from Adelaide. By providing screening opportunities close to home and in trusted spaces, the RFDS aims to help residents access preventative care and understand the steps involved in early detection.

Community backing

The program was supported by the Kingoonya Community and Kingoonya Schoolhouse Cafe, which helped provide a welcoming space for participants. Ms Besant said that this backing enabled the RFDS to deliver the program in an environment that felt comfortable and approachable for community members.

Residents also highlighted the importance of consistent access to screening and healthcare. Kingoonya resident Lenny Willis said remote communities rely on regular visits to maintain preventative health routines and follow-up care, and he expressed support for the program continuing beyond the initial camp.

The Kingoonya camp is one of many delivered by the Flying Doctor in remote communities. According to the RFDS, the initiative follows similar programs with men’s and women’s groups in Marree and Oodnadatta, where the same emphasis on culturally appropriate delivery has aimed to strengthen awareness, increase screening uptake and support early diagnosis.

Organisers described the model as community-led and culturally appropriate, with the objective of improving access to early diagnosis, preventative care and health equity across rural and remote Australia. They said that bringing together generalist, mental health and nutrition expertise, alongside community nursing, ensured that participants could receive practical information and support that addressed both clinical and day-to-day wellbeing considerations linked to screening.