Community
7 May, 2025
End of an era as inaugural chair vacates LifeFlight role
Tony McGrady is stepping down from his position, with Richmond mayor John Wharton to replace him.
Richmond mayor John Wharton has been appointed the chair of LifeFlight’s Mount Isa Regional Advisory Committee.
He replaces Tony McGrady, who has stood down after a decade in the role.
LifeFlight Foundation chair Stewart Morland said Cr Wharton’s vast skills, deep understanding of the region and experienced leadership meant that LifeFlight services and the community would be well represented into the future.
“Mayor Wharton has been an absolutely fantastic supporter of this service for over 10 years,” he said.
At a dinner on Tuesday celebrating Mr McGrady’s decade of service as chair, it was revealed that Tony and Sandra McGrady would remain with the organisation as LifeFlight North West ambassadors.
Mr McGrady was also acknowledged as an inductee into the Wings of LifeFlight, a program which recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the organisation.
Mr McGrady said it had been a privilege to advocate for vital aeromedical services in the region, dating back to 2014 when LifeFlight was in merger conversations with NQ Rescue.
“While I’m taking a back seat regarding the formal responsibilities of the committee, Sandra and I will remain actively involved with LifeFlight and its presence in the region as ambassadors and delegates,” he said.
“The community will continue to hear from us as we remain passionate voices for initiatives which ensure equity of healthcare to remote and rural areas, while we strengthen our relationships with friends of LifeFlight and promote the excellent work it does.”
During his decade-long stint as chair, Mr McGrady assisted in securing funding from the Queensland government to upgrade the aircraft to the state-of-the-art AW139 to better meet service requirements for the region.
As a result, a new $30 million Mount Isa aeromedical facility is due for completion at the end of the year.
Mr McGrady was also instrumental as former Speaker of the Queensland Parliament to bring the annual Regional Advisory Committee Forums to Parliament House where an annual LifeFlight dinner is held.
LifeFlight’s Mount Isa operations last year helped 115 people – a 20 per cent increase on the previous year as demand continues to soar.