Latest news with #RobinMiller
ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Vintage plane Sugar Bird Lady used for remote medical work returns to Broome
A historical plane used to deliver medical clinics to remote areas of northern Western Australia in the 1960s has returned to Broome after being saved from the scrap heap. The Mooney M20E was used by Royal Flying Doctor nurse and pioneering pilot Robin Miller to administer polio vaccines in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields from 1966 to 1975. Ms Miller was dubbed the Sugar Bird Lady, and the restored 62-year-old plane bears her nickname. It was flown back to Broome from New South Wales by owner Fred Clej on Thursday, ahead of ceremonies honouring Ms Miller's legacy. But the piece of aviation history was almost lost in 1999. "The guy that owned it before me landed wheels up and it was virtually written off," Mr Clej said. The aviation enthusiast spent a year restoring the light plane, which he described as "nimble and a joy to fly". Ms Miller was an award-winning nurse who grew up in Broome and Perth, and was nicknamed the Sugar Bird Lady because polio vaccines were administered on sugar lumps. She was regarded as a pioneer female pilot and mechanic in the 1960s and made nine overseas ferry flights to bring new planes back to Australia. At a time when plane registration changes were barred, an exception was made in 1968 for Ms Miller to keep her original initials VH-REM, which stands for Robin Elizabeth Miller, on her second plane, the Mooney. Ms Miller, the daughter of acclaimed writer Mary Durack, died from melanoma at the age of 35 in 1975. The vintage Sugar Bird Lady touched down in Broome on Thursday after four days flying from New South Wales. Mr Clej said it was an honour to return the plane to the Kimberley town. "It's been on my bucket list to fly it back here. The family are touched by having it here because it brings a lot of memories," he said. Its arrival was greeted by school children, aviation enthusiasts and Ms Miller's siblings, John Miller and Marie Megaw. "It's emotional to see it back here," Ms Megaw said. "To think that people remember Robin is really wonderful, and she deserves to be remembered. The inaugural Sugar Bird Lady scholarship was awarded on Friday night to a nursing student at Notre Dame University in Broome by the Air Force Association of WA. "I hope it will inspire nursing and flying in the Kimberley and Pilbara," association director Charles Page said. Mr Page said it was the first time the organisation had named a scholarship for a female aviator and given such a prize north of Perth. "It is significant. All her efforts and adventures over the years were amazing," he said. A public ceremony will be held on Saturday at Ms Miller's grave in Broome Cemetery. "Robin was an excellent pilot. She could handle the dirt strips out in the bush," Mr Clej said. "There's a lot of history there, and it's good to keep it going." Mr Clej will fly the plane home to NSW next week.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I went to the set of Casualty and this is what you don't see on TV'
Medical drama Casualty set is 'so real, you can almost smell the antiseptic' as a reporter shares details that are often not seen by eagle-eyed viewers of the popular BBC show BBC's Casualty currently holds the title of the longest-running primetime medical drama in the world, and with a new series on the way, Daily Express reporter Fran Winston paid a visit to the set to watch the filming in action. Reporting on her findings, she said: "As the world's longest-running primetime medical drama, it's only fitting that Casualty's set, nestled in BBC's Roath Lock Studios in Wales, is one of the most impressive and detailed I've ever had the pleasure to visit. It genuinely feels like stepping into a real-life NHS hospital, with the small touches - many barely noticeable on screen - adding an authentic feel. "Being a fan of the show, I was thrilled to be invited to spend a day in the revered corridors of Holby ED, but I didn't anticipate the emotional impact. The set is peppered with tributes to former cast members, adding a layer of authenticity and poignancy. "Unlike many TV sets, which typically consist of three faux walls and cameras replacing the fourth, the first thing you notice about the Casualty set is that it's a fully functional space. The iconic reception area is exactly as it appears on screen, and the resus rooms, staff room, and all other familiar areas to viewers are real and not just brought in as needed." She continued: "But it's the personal touches that truly elevate the set. Entering the 'staff room', a site of many dramas over the years, your gaze is drawn to a notice board at the back of the room," reports the Express. "It's adorned with photos of previous cast members, their laughter and smiles captured in shots reminiscent of those found in staff common areas across the UK. "The Casualty set is brimming with poignant tributes to past characters, including a board adorned with images of beloved former stars like Robin Miller (Amanda Henderson), Jeff Collier (Matt Bardock), Kathleen 'Dixie' Dixon (Jane Hazlegrove), Lisa 'Duffy' Duffin (Catherine Shipton), and Noel Garcia (Tony Marshall). Not to forget Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson), who bid farewell last year after an impressive 38-year stint. "During my exclusive set tour, producer Sarah Beardsall pointed out that this special corner isn't usually caught on camera. But for those sharp-eyed viewers, it's tucked away in the far left-hand corner of the room. "It seems the Holby ED crew also fancy a good read, as the Daily Express has found its way into the staff room set, nestled in a wall-mounted magazine rack for the fictional team to peruse during their well-earned downtime. "Yet, it's not just the staff room that subtly nods to the show's history. The ambulance bay's fridge freezer is also decked out with a collection of photos. Another photo-filled notice board graces the walkway to the call centre, a relatively new addition to the set. "Visitors on the tour were touched by these small but heartfelt homages, particularly the images of characters whose storylines concluded tragically, like Robin's. These details lend the set an air of genuine workplace authenticity." She added: "As a devoted follower of the show, I was thrilled by this meticulous attention to detail. With the 40th anniversary of the show fast approaching, it's these heartfelt touches that keep it relevant and cherished by its fans."
