UPDATE: A historic moment unfolded at Broome Airport yesterday as the iconic Mooney VH-RM, once piloted by renowned aviator and nurse Robin “Sugarbird Lady” Miller-Dicks, made a triumphant landing shortly after midday. This event marked not just a homecoming but a heartfelt tribute to a legend of Australian aviation.
As the polished aircraft descended onto the tarmac, a small yet emotional crowd witnessed the return of a beloved piece of aviation history. For Marie Megaw, Miller-Dicks’ younger sister, the moment was overwhelming. “I feel so emotional. This is the plane Robin loved so much, and she would be thrilled to know it has touched down on the Broome tarmac again,” she stated, her voice filled with pride. “Knowing it’s still flying and in such good hands is amazing.”
The landing coincided with the inaugural presentation of the Royal Australian Air Force Association of WA’s Sugarbird Lady Award, which celebrates Miller-Dicks’ remarkable contributions to aviation and nursing in Western Australia. This year, nursing student Ellen Bermingham was honored during a ceremony at the University of Notre Dame’s Broome campus. She received a $1,000 scholarship, a framed certificate, and a copy of Miller’s book, all before embarking on her placement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Owner and pilot Florin “Fred” Clej flew the Mooney from Corindi Beach in New South Wales, making a stop in Derby. “We were going to scrap it, but when I found out it had history, I thought, you can’t do that,” Clej revealed. “(Miller-Dicks) was an amazing woman and an excellent pilot—landing in some of those strips at night with only car lights takes a lot of guts.”
According to Aaron Crowther, RAAFA WA chief customer and community officer, the award aims to ensure that Miller-Dicks’ legacy continues to inspire future generations. “Robin Miller was an inspirational figure in Western Australian aviation history. This award encourages nursing professionals dedicated to serving remote and regional communities,” he explained.
Miller-Dicks, who passed away in 1975 at the age of 35, delivered over 37,000 doses of polio vaccine across northern Australia using her Mooney and Cessna 182. She also undertook perilous ferry flights for the Flying Doctor Service, showcasing her commitment to healthcare in remote areas.
For Marie Megaw, seeing the Mooney back in Broome half a century after her sister’s death was a poignant reminder of Miller-Dicks’ extraordinary spirit. “All she ever wanted to do was fly, and she was lucky to combine that with her nursing skills,” Megaw reflected. “She had incredible adventures—too many to count. It’s a very emotional day for me.”
This touching event not only honors the legacy of an aviation pioneer but also highlights the ongoing commitment to nursing and healthcare in remote communities. As more details emerge, the impact of Miller-Dicks’ contributions continues to resonate within the aviation and healthcare sectors.
