Winyama Joins Wildu Aero Project to Revolutionise Healthcare Accessibility With Drones
It is not uncommon for those living in the rural and remote regions of Western Australia to wait for up to 5-7 days to receive their blood test results. ASAC Consultancy, the drivers behind the Wildu Aero Project want to make this a thing of the past. Leveraging new hydrogen-fuelled Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology they believe they can.
With Winyama's dedication to enhancing social and economic outcomes for Australia’s First Nations people, it was a natural fit for us to join the project. As part of our strategic partnership with ASAC Consultancy, Winyama will lead the beyond visual line of sight piloting portion of the Wildu Aero Project, alongside consultation with communities over appropriate and culturally safe flight paths.
Grady Toomath, Winyama’s Chief Drone Pilot says, “Outside of our military, there are very few organisations authorised to fly UAVs beyond visual line of sight. We have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure this is done in an efficient and safe manner.”
“Beyond the technical aspects, we also have to consider the cultural and environmental sensitivities of the regions we serve. We’ll be working very closely with communities to ensure this project is done in a way that is culturally appropriate.”
Stage one flight trials are set to begin in the coming months. Once the new drone prototype and flight pathways have been approved, Winyama will work with local communities to train members to pilot the drones themselves.
Managing Director of Winyama, Andrew Dowding is passionate about increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander technology workforce in Australia.
“This work is particularly suited to Indigenous people because it requires the pilot to blend traditional knowledge, and specific knowledge of their Country, with modern technology. It provides another avenue for our people to stay on their Country whilst working in the tech economy.”
“I can see the people that have this skill set being highly desired–which offers a level of job protection, security and economic potential.”
Speaking to the project, Founding Director of ASAC Consulting, Anna Klis says, “Through collaboration with First Nations communities, we are not just building a healthcare service model; we are building capacity of individuals, communities and organisations to make decisions that support their well-being and those of the community. Together we’re shaping a future where healthcare is truly inclusive and accessible to all.”
The Wildu Aero Project represents a bold step towards realising a future where quality healthcare knows no geographical boundaries.
About the Wildu Aero Project
The Wildu Aero Project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing healthcare inequity across rural and remote regions of Australia. Leveraging hydrogen-fuelled eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) UAV (uncrewed aerial vehicle) technology, the project aims to increase health outcomes by facilitating greater accessibility to essential healthcare services such as; pathology, treatments and telehealth services.
Designed to work in tandem with local health services, the Wildu Aero project will also provide critical support during emergency disaster relief efforts. By enabling early detection, prevention and treatment of health issues in the remotest regions of the country, the project is positioned to play an important role in addressing healthcare inequity in some of Australia’s most vulnerable and isolated communities.