Heartfelt tributes are flowing after the passing of Don Moffatt AM – “the boy from Kingaroy” – who became a business giant and helicopter rescue pioneer.
Don passed away on the evening of Thursday, August 11 and his life was celebrated by family and friends last Friday at Gregson and Weight Funeral Home in Buderim.
The LifeFlight Australia Board said the loss of the “helicopter rescue stalwart” who played a critical role in developing the aeromedical service which covers much of the south east, was saddening news to them all.
A passionate aviator, Lieutenant Don Moffatt served during the Vietnam War as an army pilot with the 161st Independent Reconnaissance Flight, and later as one of the army’s top helicopter instructors.
Some time later, he leveraged his knowledge in this field, along with his big heart, to help found Australia’s first helicopter rescue service, now known as LifeFlight.
Don’s passion for aviation and the community saw him serve as the chair of the former Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service for 15 years.
He then served as former deputy chair and non-executive director of LifeFlight Australia, after the services merged.
The local rescue helicopter service, to which he dedicated so much of his life, has airlifted thousands of people in need, including from regions such as Gympie, the Fraser Coast and Don’s home region – South Burnett.
The LifeFlight Australia Board extended its sympathies and condolences to Don’s family.
LifeFlight Australia Board Chair, the Hon. Rob Borbidge AO, said the dedicated and passionate member of the Sunshine Coast community was one of the pioneers of aeromedical helicopter services in Queensland.
Mr Borbidge said the air force veteran’s legacy would always be honoured at the Sunshine Coast RACQ LifeFlight Rescue base, as his experience, expertise and leadership significantly helped shaped the service into what it is today.
“As Chair of the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, and following its merger with LifeFlight, Don played a pivotal role in providing this service to the Sunshine Coast and across Queensland,” Mr Borbidge said.
“His enthusiasm and commitment remained strong even as he battled ill health.”
“We extend to his wife Bridget and his family our sincere condolences and our gratitude for his service.”
Don was also recognised in 2017 with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day honours list for his significant contributions to helicopter rescue services in Queensland and the horse racing industry.
Among Don’s countless efforts to ensure locals had access to the best possible aeromedical care was his strong involvement in setting up the Sunshine Coast’s LifeFlight Gala Balls, which are still held to this day, raising significant funds for the LifeFlight Foundation.
Federal Member for Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien paid his respects, fondly calling Don “the boy from Kingaroy” who then became a giant of the Sunshine Coast and helped shape our region into what it is today.
An avid property developer, Don established Moffatt Property Development Group in 1975 and developed properties valued in the order of half a billion dollars.
He also Chaired the Sunshine Coast Tourism Board (now Visit Sunshine Coast).
“Don was a legend,” Mr O’Brien said.
“But, to me, he was more than a great man of extraordinary achievement – he was my friend.
“Don was the quintessential Australian mate; quick to take the mickey out of you, but even quicker to come to your aid, prepared to tell you if he disagreed, but was always deeply loyal; terrific at telling a yarn, but a wonderful listener when his counsel was sought.
“(He was) hard as nails in the face of adversity, but soft as a pillow when it came to those for whom he cared; at great ease in the company of so-called VIPs, but most comfortable mixing with everyday folk regardless of who they were or the job they held.”
Mr O’Brien said Don was a doer who fought for what he believed in and our nation.
“Our state and our region of the Sunshine Coast are the beneficiaries,” he said.
“To his wife Bridget, his daughters Karyn and Jodie and his grandchildren Ulee and Scarlett, you are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Don served as Director of the Sunshine Coast Racing Unit Trust and was on the Board of The Queensland Principal Club for Racing Queensland.
He was appointed to the Board of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club in September 1994, became deputy chairman in September 2008 and resigned September 2009.
Don was appointed Life Membership upon his resignation.
Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO John Miller said Don played an integral part in growing the club into what it is today.
“Don played a part in campaigning to have our Winter Racing Carnival Cup day run as a stand-alone Saturday – combining Caloundra Cup, Glasshouse Handicap and Sunshine Coast Guineas on the one program, with the first meeting being held on 6 July 2002,” he said.
“Don was also a director of the Sunshine Coast Racing Unit Trust which was formed between the Club and Racing Queensland to allow for the purchase of the freehold land (Corbould Park) from Caloundra City Council in 2007.”
Mr Miller said he would be missed in the racing community.
“I send my condolences to Don’s family and close friends,” he said.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson MP also paid her respects.
“I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing,” Ms Simpson said.
“My love and condolences to Bridget, Karyn and Jodie and grandchildren.
“Don’s contribution to the Sunshine Coast has been enormous, from his critical role with our rescue helicopter service, to many other community supports. We will miss him.”
