COLLEAGUES of Mike Lacey say he embodies the spirit of compassion that is at the heart of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

After 23 years at the RFDS base at Cairns the 63-year-old still regularly dedicates his free time to fundraising and awareness for the organisation he loves.

For this reason Mr Lacey’s co-workers have nominated the former base manager for a Pride of Australia Community Spirit Medal.

Mr Lacey said the RFDS was a significant part of his life.

"I was working a job I wasn't quite happy with when I came to the flying doctors and thought it would just be good for a little while," he said.

"But it’s become more than a job – it’s become my life in a good way.

"I used to be introduced as Mike Lacey and now I’m introduced as Mike Lacey who works with the Royal Flying Doctor Service – it’s a part of who I am."

Mr Lacey said he had watched the organisation grow in many ways since it first started.

"People in regional areas have more modern technology to contact us and expect the same care that those in the city have access to," he said.

"We’ve also gone from solely responding to emergencies and have expanded into primary health which includes preventative health and
education.

"But the bottom line is always that we save lives."

Under his watch as base manager, Cairns Royal Flying Doctor Service now has five planes and more than 100 staff.

Mr Lacey said he was honoured to be nominated but remained modest about his achievements.

"I just believe I’ve done my job and not anything that deserves an award," he said.

"I’m proud of some of the things I've done but it’s all part of the job I enjoy doing.

"I'll be taking on a new role working with community relationships and have no plan to leave anytime soon."

Lorna Lavaring, who helped nominated Mr Lacey for the award, said he was a heartfelt man who cared about saving lives.

"He’s passionate about the people in the bush," she said.

"He always dedicates his time to go to events on the weekends and during his time off.

"Mike is a man who is all about the flying doctors and making people aware of us."

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