Outback Air Race raises $1 Million for Royal Flying Doctor Service

After 19 days and more than 6500km in the air, Perth pilots Scott Palmer and Adam Dean, flying as Team ZIC, have returned home as champions of the 2025 Red Planet Software Outback Air Race.

The biennial national event had 37 aircraft compete in a 15-day, 3800km precision time trial across 10 outback airstrips, collectively raising a record-breaking $1 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Megan Louth, community fundraising manager for the RFDS WA, gave praise and thanks to those involved, highlighting the support from Kimberley locals.

“The RFDS is proud to have had the support of the Outback Air Race since 1997,” she said.

“Funds raised through this year’s event will help us continue to provide our vital service to those who live, work and travel throughout regional Australia.

“With the race returning to Western Australia in 2025, we are especially grateful to the local communities from Kununurra to Carnarvon for their support in welcoming the race participants. In the 2024-2025 financial year, the RFDS retrieved 2534 patients from the Kimberley region, an average of six patients per day.”

Red Planet Software chief executive and principal sponsor Peter Williams, who also took to the pilot seat and competed as part of Team 36, The Three Amigos, seconded this and highlighted the monumental funding achievement.

“Raising $1 million is more than a milestone. It’s a lifeline for people who live, work, or travel through outback and rural areas of Australia,” he said.

The race began in Yulara, Northern Territory, on August 22 and concluded in Carnarvon on September 8, with stops at Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Katherine (RAAF Tindal), Kununurra, Broome, Onslow, and Exmouth.

Mr Palmer said winning was an honour but the cause remained the real achievement.

“To win this race is an incredible honour. But the bigger achievement is being part of something that helps keep the flying doctor in the air,” he said. “Every team’s fundraising effort contributed to this record result, and that’s the true success of the race.”

Race manager Stuart Payne agreed.

“Every aircraft, every crew, and every supporter played a part in this year’s success,” he said.

“The Outback Air Race is about more than flying — it’s about connection, generosity and keeping the spirit of the outback alive for the communities who need it most.”