Name : Kym Warner
Business/company name : Royal Flying Doctor Service (Qld Section)
Job title/role : Community Engagement Coordinator – Simulator Program
If we had to step into your (she wear) shoes (pun intended), what could we expect a day in your life to feel like? :
Stepping into my she wear boots means stepping into a role that’s full of purpose, travel and connection. Most days you’ll find me on the road - sometimes in the outback, sometimes in remote coastal towns - visiting communities and schools across Queensland.
I have the incredible privilege of showcasing the Royal Flying Doctor Service through our Aeromedical Simulator (affectionately known as the "plane on a trailer"). It’s a fully kitted-out replica of a King Air B200 aircraft, complete with a cockpit, stretcher beds and medical props. It’s a real showstopper and sparks amazing conversations wherever we go.
No two days are the same and that’s what I love about it. It’s a unique role that keeps me on my toes - educating, engaging, and sharing the story of the RFDS with pride and passion.
What do you enjoy about your role? What is the favourite part of your job? :
I absolutely love getting out of the office and connecting with communities across Queensland. Although I'm a city girl, I have a big country heart - there's something truly special about the outback and I find real joy in travelling and meeting the people who live there.
After 18 years with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, I’m incredibly proud to be an ambassador for the organisation - it’s well and truly in my blood. One of the highlights of my role is that I get to work alongside my husband every day. Some people might find that unusual, but after 33 years together, we’ve got a great rhythm and genuinely enjoy the partnership both at home and at work.
How did you get into your role? What did you study or how did you learn your skills? :
My journey with the Royal Flying Doctor Service began back in the mid-90s when I started as a young receptionist at the RFDS Head Office in Brisbane. I’ll never forget my first orientation experience - A Day in the Life of the RFDS - which included flying with the crew. From that moment, I was completely hooked. It opened my eyes to just how vital and life-saving this service truly is.
Since then, I’ve worked at a few different places and had various roles but have returned to the RFDS a few times over the years, working across various departments, gaining a broad understanding of the organisation. In 2023, I stepped into my current role, which truly feels like the perfect fit. It’s been a long and rewarding journey, shaped by hands-on experience, passion, and a deep connection to the RFDS mission.
Have you won any awards, earned any special recognition or been involved in something “out of the box”? :
While I haven’t won any formal awards, the uniqueness of my role has certainly attracted some attention! One of the highlights has been being featured on YouTube by Isuzu UTE Australia – RFDS National Partner who generously supplies the Isuzu D-MAX that tows the Aeromedical Simulator. That video has now had over 431,000 views, which is pretty incredible!
We’ve also been featured on the Weekender TV show and interviewed multiple times across different media outlets. It’s always a great opportunity to shine a light on the vital work of the RFDS and to showcase our one-of-a-kind “plane on a trailer” that brings the RFDS story to life for communities and schools across Queensland.
What advice would you give to other women? What are some tips you’d give to other people in the industry?:
My advice for women is to back yourself, speak up and find a balance that fuels you, not burns you out. In community engagement, it’s about connection and building relationships. It’s about telling stories and making experiences interactive so people remember what they do, not just what they hear.
Oh, and always look after yourself on the journey, I never forgot my anti-ageing skincare and long lasting makeup that certainly helps me look good and feel great!
Do you have a favourite saying or quote, or mantra that you live by? :
If you can’t laugh at yourself, call me and I’ll laugh with you! Laughter is the best medicine, I think that’s the secret to my 29 year marriage.
Tell us a funny story about your role or an amusing experience you’ve had :
We’ve had many funny stories about the Simulator. As it doesn’t have physical ‘wings’ a lot of people tell us ‘if you put wings on it, it’ll go faster’. It’s also been called a space shuttle, a gas cylinder and a blood bank.
Have you ever encountered any negative experiences that, although difficult at the time, may have helped shape who you are today? :
I’ve met all types of people with different experiences, and I’ve learned that most just want someone to truly listen, especially in the outback and that includes children. Visiting so many primary schools has been a real learning curve for me, as I don’t come from an educational background. Finding ways to include every student in our role-playing scenarios has been challenging at times, but those experiences have helped me grow, adapt, and connect more deeply with the communities we visit.
How do you feel about your she wear boots? Any comments you’d like to make.
Before I purchased my she wear boots, I knew exactly what I wanted but just couldn’t find them anywhere. Then I came across an ad on social media and before long I was in the store trying them on. I needed all-day comfort, a strong supportive sole and weatherproof boots that could handle rain, sunshine, grass, dirt and bitumen - yet still look smart enough for the office or even dinner after work while travelling. she wear boots ticked every box and have been the perfect fit for my work and lifestyle.
I’ve even had our female crew notice the little ‘she wear’ tag on my boots and ask me about them. It’s a great conversation starter and I love being able to share how comfortable and versatile they are.
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Follow along with Kym's outback adventures on Instagram (click here).
Kym’s go to style is our Explores Women’s Fashion Boot.