While in Charleville, I went and visited the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) base. The base is on the edge of town, and not that far from the airport. Its primary function is to provide a radio and telephone contact point that people living in the remotest regions of Australia could contact when they needed medical assistance.
The service began in 1928, but really only became an official organisation in 1932.
It was formed as part of Reverend John Flynn’s ‘Australian Inland Mission’ – a presbyterian mission that set about establishing hospitals across remote and central Australia.
As always, click any of the images to enlarge them.
I didn’t have my DSLR with me at the time, so I used my iPhone to take the photos below.
Contemporary medical chest – 3 layers
1950’s Medical chest – also 3 layers
These chests were left with people living 80+ kilometres from regional centres where they may have access to medical help. Contained in these chests are a standard allocation of supplies that are designed to allow a doctor to be able to talk a patient or carer, over radio, through how to treat a variety of issues.
The keys were tough to move, and some previous ‘users’ have actually warped some of them.
I found some more interesting pieces belonging to RFDS history over at the Charleville Historical Society Museum. But more on that later.
Coming up soon… The stars of Charleville.
The Filthy Platen 
Very exciting! I know of the Traeger from Robert's research (which was also published in ETCetera) but have never touched one.
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The more that I read your blog and Robert's, the more I learn about the fascinating history of your country…and typewriters. Thank you for that.
-Anna.
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I didn't even know that they had one at the RDFS base, and I almost fell over myself with excitement to have a closer look. Amazing piece of humble engineering. Seeing it in the flesh was awesome.
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Thanks! I think Rob is the much better writer when it comes to talking about typewriters.
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