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Northern Rivers Aero Club Flood Appeal – 3 September 2022

Organisers raise $25,000!

The ever-affable Matt Hall, Red Bull Air Race World Champion 2019, got the break in the weather he needed to perform in front of a huge crowd and an excited riverfront community, as part of an event at the Ballina RSL to raise funds for the Northern Rivers Aero Club Flood Appeal.

Matt Hall on stage with Angela Stevenson (MC), for the Northern Rivers Aero Club Flood Appeal – *Image credit: Liz Barratt Photography*

Matt roars over the Ballina RSL! – *Image credit: Liz Barratt Photography*

Despite miserable weather, nearly $25,000 was raised at the event, with all funds to be used in the rebuilding of the Lismore-based aero club devastated by recent floods. After a stunning display, with low clouds amplifying the roar of Matt’s MXS aerobatic aircraft, the crowd returned to the RSL for Matt’s keynote speech and a Q&A session with Angela Stevenson.

Other significant cash donations were received from Ballina Aero Club and the Ballina RSL. Organisers thanked QBE for their sponsorship of Matt’s display, and all attendees for event sales and donations to the GoFundMe page created. The auction of scenic flights donated by Byron Air Adventures and Royal Newcastle Aero Club, upped the ante. The day was declared a huge success by all involved.

RAAF Centenary Air Armada – 28 March 2021

An Air Armada of 46 private aircraft in seven formations overflies Point Cook Airfield in concert in two Balbos, as a salute to all who have served in the Royal Australian Air Force in the past 100 years.

Production: Write Speak Fly

Lilydale Flying Club, Royal Victorian Aero Club and Peninsula Aeroclub organised the event to commemorate the RAAF Centenary.

The fleet included a range of single and twin engine aircraft, including CT-4, Airtourer, Warrior, Bonanza, Sling, Yak 52, Nanchang, Trinidad, Cessna 170, Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Blackshape Prime, Super Decathlon, Lance, Twin Comanche, Baron, RV-6, RV-7, and RV-8. Some of the aircraft were ex-military warbirds.

Formation groups launched from Lilydale Airfield, Moorabbin Airport, and Tyabb Airfield, flying around Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay, timed to converge on RAAF Williams Base at Point Cook at 2:40pm.

Aircraft from Victoria, ACT, and New South Wales, and as far as Toowoomba participated despite the challenges presented by Covid-19.

Special thanks to the Red Radials Air Brigade.

Angela Stevenson wins prestigious Australasian Aviation Press Club Award – Feature Article of the Year 2020

“To the Australasian aviation media community,

Throughout a very difficult year, we all saw terrific examples of aviation and defence journalism across the region.

Whilst we are disappointed not to have our annual event, we are nonetheless thrilled to present this year’s recipients of Australasian Aviation Press Club awards! To everyone who submitted entries – thank you! It was a crowded virtual field of talented journalists who turned in great stories despite very challenging circumstances. Now to our 2020 AAPC Award Recipients!

Commercial Airlines Story of the Year: Lucas Baird and Andrew Tillett from the AFR for “Virgin threatens to call in the administrators as it fights to survive”
Defence Aviation Story of the Year: Max Blenkin from ADBR for “A Decade of Wedgetail”
Aviation Feature of the Year: Angela Stevenson from Australian Flying for “Uncertain Times”
Photographer of the Year: Seth Jaworski
And the Journalist of the Year: Robyn Ironside from The Australian

AAPC Committee: Geoff Thomas, president; Jordan Chong, Owen Poland, Peter Marosszeky and David Sidman”

Words by Gail DÁrcy Australasian Aviation Press Club Awards