My progress

My target

114km

90km

I'm fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

Australia is a big country, and for those living in remote, rural and regional areas, access to immediate care isn’t a guarantee. For some communities, the nearest hospital is eight hours drive away.

This October, I’m taking on a month-long fitness challenge to help more people access the care they need. By going further, I hope to raise as much as possible for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Every year, the RFDS reach more than 330,000 Australians with 24-hour emergency retrieval and primary healthcare services. That’s one person every two minutes!

Together, we can keep the Flying Doctor flying and continue their life-saving work. Please donate to my challenge today!

So far this year
I’ve helped provide...

48

Laryngoscopes – used to assist in intubating and ventilating a patient.

30

Life-saving medical chests for a remote, rural or regional community.

27

Defibrillator Pads – used with a machine to monitor a patient’s cardiac health.

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Thank you to my supporters

100% TOTAL LEGENDS

Bill McKean

Peter

You dedication to this project is inspirational, Jocey, though that does not surprise me.

Peter Woodland

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Dennis Ogden

TOP FANS

Anonymous

Joan Brazier

Wonderful organisation to support Jocelyn. Best wishes for the remainder of your challenge.

David Cameron

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PROUD SUPPORTERS

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Alistair Brightman

Keep up the good work Jocelyn!

Tom Park

This is awe inspiring stuff. The greatest community charity drive for the best community service organization anywhere. I don't walk but I can help. Good on you young lady.

Jocelyn Watts

Anonymous

Watts Family

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Rebecca Luxon

Good Job - Well done.

Anonymous

Karyn

Well done Mimoo 😘

Josephine Campbell

Way to go, girl!

Anonymous

Your efforts here and the good you’re doing deserve a medal, at least.

Eve-Ann Hodgkinson

Keep up the great work Jocelyn, Dear Friend🥰

Facebook Donation

Anonymous

This is a good thing you’re doing.

Jocelyn Watts

DebbieD

Great effort!

Jocelyn Watts

My Updates

Every Step Counts | Oceans to Outback 2025 Wrap-Up

Saturday 1st Nov

That’s a wrap! Throughout October, I walked 114 kilometres and raised $1,922 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service — a cause that continues to do incredible work across remote, rural and regional Australia.

Together, more than 21,600 participants rode, walked or ran over 1.17 million kilometres, raising an amazing $4.35 million to help keep the Flying Doctor flying! 🚁💙

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared posts, or cheered me on from the sidelines — your encouragement meant the world. And a big shout-out to the RFDS team and event organisers for running such an inspiring campaign.

I’ll be lacing up again for the 2026 Oceans to Outback Challenge, with new goals of walking 120 kilometres and raising $2,000.

Until then, here’s to the Flying Doctor — connecting communities, saving lives, and reminding us all of the power of kindness in action. 💙

#RFDS #RoyalFlyingDoctorService #OceansToOutback #FromBarcyToTheBay #RFDSFundraiser

My Journey ends today!

Friday 31st Oct

Hi friends. Today is the last day of my Oceans to Outback challenge! Over October, I walked 113km to raise vital funds for the Flying Doctor. To celebrate the final 24 hours, I’ve got the chance to win one of five $500 Woolworths Supermarket Gift Cards. But I need your help! For every $24 donation I receive, I’ll get an entry into the draw. The more $24 donations, the better my chances. I’m proud to have joined Flynn’s Flyers as a top fundraiser. With one final push, I can finish as strong as possible. Please donate $24 ASAP, and help me celebrate the end of my journey! With your help, I’ll be in the running and I’ll smash my target to deliver life-saving care around Australia. Please donate $24 ASAP, and help me celebrate the end of my journey! https://www.oceanstooutback.org.au/fundraisers/jocelynwatts Thank you so much for your wonderful support, Cheers, J

Feet Up, Heart Full 💙 | My Oceans to Outback Journey

Thursday 30th Oct

After walking 113 kilometres and raising $1,922 in October for the RFDS Oceans to Outback Challenge, I’ve hung up my shirt, hat and sunnies, and put my feet up for a well-earned rest.

There’s still a day to go in this year’s campaign — it officially finishes tomorrow, 31 October — but after a short half-kilometre stroll to the railway station, I’ll be back on the Spirit of the Outback for the 1,000-kilometre journey home to my adopted seaside city, Hervey Bay.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s supported me in my inaugural challenge — whether by donating via Facebook or the website, sharing my posts, or cheering from the sidelines. Every bit of encouragement has helped to keep the Flying Doctor in the air, delivering lifesaving healthcare to Australians in remote and rural communities.

Thanks also to everyone who sent well-wishes to Mum. She was so pleased to hear from you all, and I’ve passed on every name and greeting.

This being my first O2O event, my goals were modest — walking 90 km to raise $500 — but I’ve exceeded those by 126% and 384% respectively! I’ve had so much fun connecting with people all over Australia during this journey that I’m already keen to take up the challenge again in 2026.

Whatever my final tallies are by the end of tomorrow — rounded up — will become my new targets. As it stands, that means walking 120 kilometres and raising at least $2,000 for the RFDS.

Meanwhile, there’s still time to contribute to this year’s campaign before it wraps up!

If you’re able, please help me support the Royal Flying Doctor Service to continue delivering vital health services to all Australians, no matter their postcode.

Read my story: https://tinyurl.com/ycxyb2tr

(scroll to find me)

To donate:

🌐 Website – https://tinyurl.com/r6ayc5fs

📘 Facebook – https://tinyurl.com/3rbda497

#OceansToOutback #WalkingForPurpose #RFDS #LifeInBalance #CommunityMatters #JocelynMagazine

Finishing Where It All Began 💙 | Oceans to Outback

Wednesday 29th Oct

Still in Barcaldine today, having shared a barbecue lunch at the hospital (where I was born) with Mum — Del Scott, 94 — who is now in permanent care here.

Many in Barcy will remember Mum from her years at the local high school, where she taught music, art, geography, and home economics. Altogether, she taught for around 25 years — first in 1953 (before she married Dad, Bill Scott), and then again from 1968 through to 1982.

Together, Mum and Dad were foundation members of the cultural association and historical society, helping to establish the folk museum that stands today on the corner of Beech and Gidyea streets. Before Dad passed in 2001, they were both nominated for Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award. And in 2017, Mum received the Australia Day Volunteer of the Year Award.

Over the past decade, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has transported Mum multiple times from Barcaldine to Rockhampton for urgent treatment following major hip and limb fractures — times when the care she needed went beyond what’s available out here. We’re deeply grateful for the RFDS — for Mum, and for countless others across rural and remote Australia.

So my Oceans to Outback journey this year has been a walk of gratitude — from the ocean at my home in Hervey Bay back to the red-heart roots of where I began. I’m walking for those who live far from care, and for everyone who has ever waited, hoped, or endured.

With two days to go, I’m taking gentle steps to the finish line. Whatever I complete by 31 October will help set my starting goals for next year.

A Huge Thank You 💙

To everyone who has supported, donated, encouraged, shared my posts, or simply walked beside me in spirit — thank you. Your kindness keeps the Flying Doctor flying — and that matters more than words can say.

If you’re able, please support my fundraising efforts to help the RFDS continue to deliver vital health services to all Australians, no matter their postcode.

Read my story:
https://tinyurl.com/ycxyb2tr (scroll to find me)

To donate:
Website – https://tinyurl.com/r6ayc5fs
Facebook – https://tinyurl.com/3rbda497

#OceansToOutback #WalkingForPurpose #RFDS #LifeInBalance #CommunityMatters #JocelynMagazine

Small World, Big Cause! 💙

Tuesday 28th Oct

Guess who I ran into (not literally!) while chalking up another 7.4km this morning — taking me past the 100km mark for October?

Jean Lightbody (pictured left), an RFDS psychologist, was in Barcy on a three-day visit covering her patch. I was about 150 metres from my Barcy base camp when I spotted the RFDS car and stopped to say hello — talk about perfect timing!

My total now sits at 101km, that’s 11km beyond my original target, with $1,142 raised so far — thanks to the amazing generosity of 22 donors across my website and Facebook. The average donation is $52, with the largest a wonderful $272.

A huge thank you to everyone who’s supported me along the way — every kind word, donation, and bit of encouragement has meant the world. 💙

I’ll keep stepping it out until the campaign wraps up on 31 October. Whatever I finish on will become my starting targets for next year.

Please support my fundraising efforts today to help the Royal Flying Doctor Service keep delivering better health outcomes for all Australians, no matter where they live.

💙 Read my story:
https://tinyurl.com/ycxyb2tr (scroll to find me)

💙 To donate:
Website – https://tinyurl.com/r6ayc5fs
Facebook – https://tinyurl.com/3rbda497

#OceansToOutback #LifeInBalance #JocelynMagazine

Barcaldine in Bloom 🌸

Monday 27th Oct

One of my favourite memories of growing up in Barcaldine (pronounced BAR-CALL-DIN) is the burst of colour that comes with spring — the poinciana trees glowing red around Christmas, and the cascades of bougainvillea that frame fences, houses, and even the town hall during high school formals and debutante balls.

Barcy, as the locals call it, has long been known as the Garden City of the West — or Oasis of the West — thanks to its incredible water supply from the Great Artesian Basin. Even though it’s late October and the spring blooms are starting to fade, there’s still plenty of colour around town.

During my 3 km walk along Oak Street — Barcy’s main drag — to visit Mum at the hospital and clock up extra kms for the RFDS Oceans to Outback challenge this morning, I spotted everything from poinciana and bougainvillea to frangipani, desert rose, hibiscus, wattle, bottlebrush, acacia, hippeastrum, and more. There was even a cheeky brolga sculpture in the hospital gardens!

What a beautiful reminder of how life flourishes out here in the west. 🌺

#Barcaldine #OasisOfTheWest #OceansToOutback #RDFS

From Oceans to Outback – Mission Complete!

Sunday 26th Oct

Wow, what a ride! October has been an incredible journey — joining people across Australia to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and being part of such an inspiring community.

I've now hit three major milestones:
1️⃣ Arrived in Barcaldine, my hometown, for the final leg of my campaign effort.
2️⃣ Reached my 90km target, with the last 6km walking to visit Mum (94!) at the hospital and back to the house I grew up in, twice.
3️⃣ Absolutely smashed my fundraising goal of $500, reaching an amazing $1,117 — that’s 223% of target! 🎉

Getting here, true to the Oceans to Outback theme, was no small feat. Travelling from my adopted home in Hervey Bay to my birthplace in Barcaldine meant covering roughly 1,000km on the Spirit of the Outback — until a heatwave struck.

When outback temps climb past 45°C, railway lines buckle and twist, forming what’s dramatically known as “sun kinks.” So, at Emerald, the train gave way to a bus. Not ideal, but very outback!

A huge thank-you to everyone who’s sponsored me — your generosity has been incredible. I couldn’t have reached my target (or doubled it!) without your support. 💙

While I’m in Barcaldine, I’ll keep clocking my steps. Whatever the tallies are on 31 October will become my starting targets for next year.

So proud to be walking for the Royal Flying Doctor Service — a seriously amazing organisation keeping Australians connected to healthcare, no matter how remote. 💙

#OceansToOutback #WalkingForPurpose #JocelynMagazine

Eight Days and 10km to Go!

Thursday 23rd Oct

Took a short break yesterday, then hit the pavement again bright and early this morning — and I’ve now clocked up 80km! That leaves just 10km to go before I hit my 90km target, with a whole eight days to spare.

This morning I enjoyed peaceful vibes around Ululah Lagoon in Maryborough, joined by my photographer son and his sidekick, Willow the German Shepherd, who’s fast becoming a local celebrity. She knows every dog on that track and insists on stopping for all her adoring fans. 🐾

Having raised over $800, I’ve officially reached “Specialist” status in the RFDS Oceans to Outback Challenge — and there’s even a medal winging its way to me as we speak. 🎖️

Even though I’ve almost hit my walking goal (and smashed the fundraising one), I’ll keep stepping it out until the end of October. Whatever I finish on will set my targets for next year — because every dollar raised helps keep this vital service in the air. ✈️

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides everything from immunisations and health checkups to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease — essential care that’s hard to access in outback Australia, where small, spread-out communities often miss out.

Please support my fundraising efforts today to help the RFDS keep delivering better health outcomes for all Australians, no matter where they live.

💙 Read my story:
https://tinyurl.com/ycxyb2tr
(scroll to find me)

💙 To donate:
Website – https://tinyurl.com/r6ayc5fs

Facebook – https://tinyurl.com/3rbda497

#OceansToOutback #RFDS #WalkingForPurpose #LifeInBalance #JocelynMagazine

Kicking goals (and hopefully not shins!) 🏃‍♀️💙

Tuesday 21st Oct

Hit 75 km today! That leaves just 15 km to reach my 90 km target — and I’ve still got 10 days up my sleeve before the final day on 31 October. I should romp it in… unless I trip over my own feet and break a leg in the next day or so 😅 Nooo! I never said that!! We’ve already smashed the fundraising goal of $500. Huge thanks to everyone who’s chipped in — the total’s now sitting at $777 (155.5%)! Even though I’ve just about hit my walking goal (and well and truly nailed the fundraising one), I’ll keep stepping it out until the end of this year’s RFDS Oceans to Outback campaign. Whatever I finish on will set my targets for next year — because every dollar raised helps keep this vital service in the air. 💙 👉 Read my story: https://www.oceanstooutback.org.au/story-wall 👉 Donate here: https://www.oceanstooutback.org.au/fundraisers/jocelynwatts #OceansToOutback #RFDS #WalkingForACause

Finishing Strong for the RFDS – 11 Days to Go!!

Monday 20th Oct

There are so many worthy charities to support, so why did I choose the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)?

Growing up in outback Queensland, the Flying Doctor was part of life. For those living and travelling in remote areas, the nearest hospital can be hours away — and when health emergencies strike, the RFDS is often the only lifeline.

My connection runs deep. My dad passed away in Barcaldine Hospital in 2001, just before the Flying Doctor could reach him. Mum, now 94, has since needed several air transfers for fracture treatments. And after losing my husband, Don, to suicide in 2013, I know how vital their mental health services are too.

This year, I’m walking 90km from my base in Hervey Bay to give back. Every dollar raised helps keep this vital service in the air.

Photos:

Banner – Bougainvillea in bloom at the Barcaldine railway station.

Profile – Me at the “jump-up”, east of Barcaldine, circa 1976.

Post - Lagoon Creek, Barcaldine, 2016.

Read my story on the RFDS Oceans to Outback Story Wall:

https://www.oceanstooutback.org.au/story-wall

To donate, visit:

https://www.oceanstooutback.org.au/fundraisers/jocelynwatts

#OceansToOutback #RFDS #WalkingForPurpose #LifeInBalance #JocelynMagazine

Best daily tally yet!

Sunday 19th Oct

Yay! I’ve clocked my best daily tally yet — 9.1km — bringing me to 61km of my 90km Oceans to Outback Challenge for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). I’m on track to hit my goal a week early!

Walking along the Point Vernon foreshore today (pictured) reminded me that work–life balance isn’t just about slowing down — it’s about finding purpose in motion. Each step connects me with both the calm of the coast and the cause I care deeply about — helping keep the Flying Doctor flying.

Mental health is vital for everyone, and access to care in rural Australia can be tough. The RFDS bridges that gap, delivering expert mental health support where it’s needed most.

I’ve already passed my fundraising goal of $500, now sitting at $696 — thank you to everyone who’s chipped in! Let’s see if we can nudge that closer to $800 by the finish line. 💙

👉 Donate or follow my journey: https://tinyurl.com/r6ayc5fs

#OceansToOutback #RFDS #WalkingForPurpose #JocelynMagazine #LifeBalance

Back at Pt Vernon !

Sunday 12th Oct

After three epic days trekking across K’gari (Fraser Island) — and, yes, often forgetting to turn my watch on (classic doh moments!) — I’m back in the Bay, pacing along the Pt Vernon foreshore. My soundtrack? Legends like Bryan Adams, Bruce “the Boss” Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Simon & Garfunkel, and a few more sing-along favourites. 🎶

When I set my fundraising target for this challenge — my first go at it — I played it modestly with $500. Well, I’m thrilled to say I’ve already smashed that goal, raising a combined total of $676 between the website and Facebook! That’s 135% of my target — and I’m tracking well too, with 33km down of my 90km goal.

Huge thanks to everyone who’s already donated — your support means the world! There are still 19 days to go until October 31, so there’s plenty of time to keep the momentum rolling.

#OceansToOutback #RFDSCommunity #StepByStepForCharity

Stepping it out on k’gari

Thursday 9th Oct

Stepped it out on stunning K’gari (Fraser Island) today as part of my RFDS Oceans to Outback challenge — and what a day! We walked up to the coloured sands at The Pinnacles (pictured), checked out the Maheno Shipwreck on Seventy-Five Mile Beach, spotted Indian Head, and cooled off at the Champagne Rock Pools. Feeling grateful for this slice of paradise on our doorstep. 💙✈️ #OceansToOutback #KgariMagic #WalkingForRFDS

Monday stroll for rfds

Monday 6th Oct

Another 6.44km done and dusted — zigzagging through the quiet streets of Eli Waters, Hervey Bay, checking out the neighbourhood and soaking up the spring sunshine. Rounded it off perfectly with a well-earned coffee at the local golf club. Small steps like these keep both body and mind ticking along nicely — a reminder that work-life balance starts with simply getting out the door. ☕🚶‍♀️ #RFDSOceansToOutback #WorkLifeBalance #JocelynMagazine

Back on track in the bay

Sunday 5th Oct

Clocked up another 5.2km now that I’m back in Hervey Bay — and what a perfect day for it! The sea breeze and that brilliant Queensland sunshine make every step worth it. Feeling grateful to be part of the RFDS Oceans to Outback Challenge — walking for a cause that helps Aussies right across the country. 💙✈️ #OceansToOutback #HerveyBayWalks #RFDSTeam

Ready for Take-Off!

Sunday 28th Sep

I’m 9km shy of clocking up 90km for September, with two days to go — not bad for the “warm-up lap”! And that’s without counting my strength sessions at the gym (hard to track steps when you’re lifting weights).

From 1 October, the RFDS Oceans to Outback Challenge officially takes off, and I’ll be aiming to notch up another 90km. T-shirt on and joggers ready — let’s go!

If you’d like to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service, every step helps keep those planes in the sky. ✈️

#OceansToOutback2025 #StepUpForRFDS #LifeBalanceWithJocelyn

6.47km Closer to October

Thursday 4th Sep

Smashed out 6.47km at Point Vernon this morning, and I’m only warming up! Bring on October and the real challenge.💪🚶‍♀️#OceansToOutback #WalkForWellbeing

22km down, one latte up!

Monday 1st Sep

Treated myself to a latte at the Hervey Bay Golf Club after logging 22km this week in my “warm up” for October’s challenge. Clearly, I’m on par with my training… even if my swing still needs work. ☕️⛳️ #LatteAndLaps #HerveyBayLife #ChallengeAccepted

5k Walk & a mystery solved at Point Vernon

Wednesday 27th Aug

Knocked over another 5k today with a walk along the Pt Vernon esplanade. Along the way, I came across the work of the late Gavin Patterson OAM, a local architect, artist and history buff. His work now marks the spot where the Gables once stood. I've often wondered where the name 'Gables' came from. Now I know. Mystery solved! It's such a cool slice of Hervey Bay history — worth checking out if you’re in the area.

#HerveyBayHistory #PointVernonWalk #RFDSOceansToOutback

Stepping Into the RFDS Challenge

Sunday 24th Aug

My “practice walks” kicked off this morning with a 5.66km stroll along the Point Vernon esplanade here in Hervey Bay. Couldn’t have asked for better weather — the Bay really turned it on. I’m gearing up for the RFDS Oceans to Outback Challenge in October, though in my case it’s more of an Outback to Oceans story — born in Barcaldine, now happily based by the sea. The view across to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) was the perfect reminder of why I love walking here.

Thank you to my Sponsors

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