Frequently asked questions
Getting Started
I'm not able to register. Can you help?
If you are trying to register but having issues, email us to get some assistance. If you are emailing, remember to include your day time phone number so that you can be contacted during business hours.
Is there a registration fee?
No, registration for Oceans to Outback is FREE! So even more reason to jump on board! Of course you can choose to make an optional self-donation when you sign up to kick-start your fundraising.
To take part in Oceans to Outback do I need to fundraise?
When you sign up to Oceans to Outback, a fundraising page will be automatically created for you.
It's through the support of your fundraising that RFDS can continue to deliver vital healthcare across Australia. Click here to learn more about the impact the funds you raise can have for outback Australians.
We're here to help you every step of the way and we will be sending you useful tips and tools via email over the coming weeks to support your fundraising. Please reply to one of our emails if you have any other questions.
Fundraising
Is there a minimum amount I have to raise?
Raise as much as you can. Every dollar you raise will help to keep the Flying Doctor flying. How awesome would it be if you reached your target! If you're stuck on how to boost your fundraising total why not try posting in our Facebook group? Our community would love to meet you and support your journey from the Oceans to the Outback.
What resources are available?
We want to make fundraising easy, so we have some great resources to help you do that. Your best tool is your online fundraising page – easy to set up and easy to share. It is the best way to get donations and spread the word about your Oceans to Outback challenge this October. Visit the Resources tab of your dashboard to find posters, social media tiles, email signatures and more.
The Cause
What will my fundraising support?
Someone needs the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) every two minutes! RFDS delivers emergency medical and primary health services to regional, rural and remote communities, many of whom don't have any other healthcare access. You can read more about the programs and services your fundraising will support here.
RFDS has been saving lives in rural and remote Australia for 94 years. Delivered by a dedicated team of professionals, using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, and supported by a vast number of volunteers and supporters, the RFDS provides a lifeline for those that live, work and travel in rural and remote Australia. You can read more about the history of the RFDS here.
My Activity
Why is my activity not appearing on my fundraising page?
If you are logging your activity manually, it can take up to 20 minutes for this to appear on your fundraising page. Please ensure you 'save' your activity each time you log it otherwise it will not show up.
If you are logging your activity via a sync with FitBit, Strava or Garmin, it can take up to 24hours for this to appear on your fundraising page.
If your activity is still not appearing after the above time periods have passed, please get in touch with us at supporters@oceanstooutback.org.au and we will look into it for you.
Can I only walk, run or ride for Oceans to Outback?
We have chosen hero distances that suit these activities but you can choose to do any activity for your distance. In order to start your virtual journey around Australia to unlock the seven RFDS locations (and secret 8th location!) you must enter your kilometres as you go. Remember you can only start logging kilometres from October 1.
What if I don't want to choose one of the suggested distances?
If you don't want to choose one of the suggested distances, you can nominate your own during registration. Oceans to Outback is a month-long adventure. Choose a distance that can be done in short bursts daily, or on a weekly or fortnightly basis. The minimum distance to participate is set to 20km.
General
I haven't received my t-shirt yet, when should I expect it?
We are hoping to start sending out participant t-shirts in late August. Keep an eye on the Oceans to Outback Facebook Group for updates.
I've raised $500, when will I receive my Crew Member medal?
Congratulations on reaching the Crew Member tier, thank you for your support to keep the Flying Doctor flying! We hope to send out Crew Member medals around mid September, keep an eye on the Oceans to Outback Facebook Group for updates.
Can I fundraise just on Facebook?
Absolutely! Once you have registered for the event you will have access to your fundraising dashboard. From there, just click the button to create a Facebook fundraiser. As long as your FB fundraiser is created from your dashboard then the funds raised there will be added to the total on your page to help you ascend the fundraising tiers and unlock rewards!
How do I contact the Oceans to Outback team?
We're here to help!
Please contact us on supporters@oceanstooutback.org.au and we will get back to you within 24-48hours.
You can also contact us via phone on 0460 971 712 on weekdays.