Australian Inland Mission map collection

The Australian Inland Mission was established by the Presbyterian Church of Australia's Board of Inland Missions on the recommendation of Reverend John Flynn, in 1912 on the needs of Outback people. Flynn was appointed organising agent and superintendent. Eight patrols and hospitals in several towns formed the basis of A.I.M. activities, established to create a 'mantle of safety' for the people of the remote regions of Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. It also included the Far North Children's Health Scheme, Old Timer's Homes, hostels and colleges. To improve communications and help overcome Outback isolation, Flynn encouraged the creation of the pedal wireless, invented by Alf Traeger, which featured a generator operated by pedal power similar to a bicycle. The Flying Doctor Service was established and administered by the A.I.M. from 1928-1939 at Cloncurry, then was incorporated into the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Reverend Flynn died in 1951 and the Reverend Fred McKay was appointed Superintendent. He continued the work of the A.I.M.'s services for Outback people. In 1977 the A.I.M. changed its name to Uniting Church in Australia Frontier Services.