Indeed, public confidence in Aussie charities has remained high through the two-year pandemic
And critically, the charity sector has played a key role in the actual pandemic response during those two years.
The just-released 2021 Annual Australian Charity Reputation Index or RepTrak for short, shows that the public still holds not-for-profits with very high regard
There are 35 charities that have been recognised for having an excellent public reputation, based on the large national public survey conducted by RepTrak from October to late December 2021.
The long list includes charities we all know and love, such as the Smith Family, St Vincent De Paul Society, the RSPCA, the Movember Foundation and Cancer Council of Australia.
“Over almost a decade of measuring reputation, we continue to see the reputational strength of many not-for-profit organisations built, in general, on their ability to clearly link how they positively impact the community and the specifics of the services they deliver,” Senior Vice President of Reptrak Oliver Freedman said.
“In addition, clearly informing the public of this link by using a genuine, authentic and relevant narrative is vital.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one example of an organisation which continues to excel at this finding,” Mr Freedman said.
Included in the charities with scores showing excellent reputation are vital emergency medical and health charities that have key roles in the pandemic response, such as St Johns Ambulance, Lifeline Australia, Beyond Blue and the Australian Red Cross.
He said the Royal Flying Doctor Service received the highest survey score of 98.1 and was proud to be along-side Guide Dogs 94.6, Surf Life Saving Australia 92.2, Foodbank 91.8 and the Starlight Children’s Foundation 91.7 making up the top five.
“A patient’s trust in their medical services is vital – particularly if they are living in locations that don’t have easy access to the services enjoyed in our cities,” RFDS Federation Executive Director Frank Quinlan said.
“That we have earned this trust, in the provision of vital, emergency medical and primary health care services to rural and remote Australia, gives our 2100 staff great pride.”
The RFDS is part of Australia’s broad national health system and works closely with governments, industry, Aboriginal Medical Services, Primary Health Networks, Local Hospital Districts, GPs and rural and remote communities -- to keep Aussies healthy and safe through both aeromedical emergency and primary health care services.
Mr Quinlan said the RFDS was honored to be recognised on this Charity Index for so many years and was particularly pleased to be in such good company with other hard-working and dedicated charities.
