LFC conducted another successful fly-away in March this year, this time to Victor Harbour on the long weekend. Landing at Goolwa, the group toured the area taking all the delights on a private coach. One of the highlights was a side trip to the beautiful Aldinga Airport with its array of taildraggers and biplanes and a cafe with a view. Have a look at this selection of shots sent in by Doug Frazer.
On Thursday 27 February, Phil Anthony, Anthony James and Phil’s friend Rob flew Anthony’s Bonanza to Mallacoota to observe the bushfire devastation in Gippsland and to meet with two friends who were working in the relief of the township.
Along the way, there
were extensive burnt areas and from Orbost flying East, the vast majority of
the area we could see had been burnt.
We were greeted at
Mallacoota airfield by Brodie and partner from Glasgow, Sandy. Brodie grew up
in Mallacoota and was Phil’s daughter’s bridesmaid last year. Her parents’
house narrowly escaped the flames. As they were holidaying in Mallacoota when
the fires started, they naturally helped the township recover in the best way
they could. They now are working full time. Brodie is running the makeshift
youth centre in the closed down newsagency and Sandy as an arborist, clearing
damaged trees and rescuing koalas. Brodie hopes that the government will fund
the continuation of the youth centre which has filled a need in the community.
After shouting our hosts
lunch at the pub, they drove us around the town to show us the extent of the
damage from fires. About a quarter of the town’s buildings were destroyed.
Already the gums are re-growing but the tea trees will not. The caravan park
had re-opened and we noticed many visitors in the town supporting the recovery.
The AFL state of origin match the next night was a great way to help the
recovery.
Well done and thanks so
much to Brodie, Sandy and friends who work so tirelessly in support of the
fire-ravaged communities.
A group of LFC pilots
are planning to do a similar visit in March.
https://lilydaleflyingclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1234464_556562294477792_5070828521008092211_n-300x236.jpg00SteveHitchenhttps://lilydaleflyingclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1234464_556562294477792_5070828521008092211_n-300x236.jpgSteveHitchen2020-03-02 21:45:452020-03-02 21:49:11A Run to Mallacoota