Displays
Main Floor
The story begins here: enter into the early days of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and John Flynn’s vision to create a Mantle of Safety for the people of the Outback.
- Read various storyboards that explain the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- View a quarter-scale model of the Victory; the first plane used by the Australian Aerial Medical Service (AAMS), now known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- See a replica of a portable organ used in the Smith of Dunesk Mission in Beltana, where John Flynn began his ministry in 1911.
- View the newly installed John Flynn Magic Lantern Slideshow which recreates a typical slideshow given by John Flynn as part of his promotional work for the Australian Inland Mission and the Flying Doctor Service.
- View the newly installed Mantle of Safety film about the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. The film shows the aircraft taking off from Cloncurry on a flight bound for Mornington Island.
- This level also incorporates one of two newly installed interactive kiosks which incorporate the exhibits Honouring Outback Heroes, Roll of Honour, Wings Over The Inland, Remembering Sister Gilbert and History of John Flynn Place.
- The carpet is an aerial view of the Cloncurry landscape in its ‘Sunday Best’ after rain.
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Radio Gallery
The ‘Radio Gallery’ is full of historical information and pays homage to Alfred Traegar.
- See an original pedal radio that once belonged to Alfred Traegar.
- View a gown and academic hood worn by the Right Reverend Andrew (Les) McKay who was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church.
- View historic films on the Ernest Henry Mining Outback Theatre about the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Australian Inland Mission.
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Mezzanine
This level caters especially for children.
- Listen to a recorded message of a doctor diagnosing and prescribing treatment for a patient over the radio.
- See portrait doll of John Flynn made by Queensland artist doll maker Gladys Busch.
- View a medical chest issued by the RFDS to isolated properties, used in conjunction with the medical chart to assist in diagnosing remote patients.
- View the other newly installed interactive kiosk which incorporates the exhibits Honouring Outback Heroes, Roll of Honour, Wings Over The Inland, Remembering Sister Gilbert and History of John Flynn Place.
- View our School of the Air Radio System.
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The Fred McKay Art Gallery
The Fred McKay Art Gallery is located on the top floor of the John Flynn Place Museum, housing a unique assortment of local art.
- The art collection has been acquired largely through local artists and Cloncurry’s annual Ernest Henry Memorial Art Show.
- There is a portrait of Fred McKay and a display or items used by him is his days as a Boundary Rider.
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Courtyard and Gardens
Reflect in the gardens about how this vision became a reality and how it is still a strong and essential part of Outback life.
- View a replica of John Flynn’s Dodge used on his outback journeys.
- A tree planted in honour of Rev. Fred McKay in 2000.
- The Australian Inland Mission Memorial Cloister with plaques commemorating Mission and Flying Doctor pioneers; this was relocated in 2003 from the site of the former Presbyterian Church, the original home of the Flying Doctor Service.