Sisters Jackie and Mande receive their award

Tireless support over 18 years

OWNERS of Pentland Caravan Park in Queensland's outback do not regard themselves as heroes ... but the Royal Flying Doctor Service certainly does.

In fact, the world famous aero-medical service considers Jackie and Mande Jager as being so special it has bestowed them with a Local Hero Award for their tireless support over the years.

The sisters took over the park on Overlander's Way between Charters Towers and Hughenden 18 years ago and have been connected with the RFDS ever since.

Jackie and Mande, who were among nine others across the State who received awards, are always at hand with help, free accommodation and meals when clinical staff fly into remote Pentland for its  four-weekly clinics.

"They do a vital job and are always there to help people in need," Jackie told Caravanning News.

"We don't see ourselves as heroes but are thrilled to receive this award. It came as a surprise and big shock."

She told how they collected the RFDS team from the local airstrip and ferried them back to her park where they were provided with lunch and somewhere to rest.

Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland section) chief executive Nino Di Marco said the awards were a way of thanking and acknowledging outstanding individuals who tirelessly and selflessly supported the work of the service in their region.

Recipients were recognised at morning teas held simultaneously at each of the nine RFDS Queensland bases.

"It is heart-warming to have received Local Hero nominations from around the state," Mr Marco said.

"They ranged from outback pubs developing innovative and fun ways to help raise funds for the RFDS, to workers on remote cattle properties who have jumped into action in an emergency and caravan park operators who offer a bed to rest for our pilots.

"On behalf of all of us at the RFDS here in Queensland we would like to congratulate and thank all Local Hero nominees across Queensland who work behind the scenes to support the work of the Flying Doctor teams."

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