Katanning raises thousands for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at annual garden party

Wet and windy weather didn’t stop more than 100 visitors stopping by the historic Hounsome Farmhouse for the annual Katanning Royal Flying Doctor Service Garden Party on Sunday.

Volunteers rallied together to host the annual open day of fun for a good cause, raising more than $4000 for the RFDS through raffles and plant and art sales.

The party was held at the 117 year-old farmhouse north of Katanning, where visitors were taken on a tour of the property.

Katanning RFDS secretary Vivienne Beeck said it was a cause close to her heart, after a her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes more than 30 years ago.

“She was flown to Perth by the RFDS and the hospital said if we hadn’t got there when we did — six hours later she would have been dead,” she said.

“Somebody in your family, in your life, will probably use it at some stage or you will know of someone who will.

“It is such a vital service to regional and rural communities.”

Ms Beeck thanked the community for digging deep for another year.

“It is just amazing the support we get. People are really open and generous when it comes to the RFDS,” she said.