Families impacted by cancer and life-threatening illness will swap hospitals for hangars, treatment rooms for campfires and medical appointments for the open skies when Temora Flyers welcomes Country Hope back to town this October. From 9-11 October, Temora Flyers Inc will host around 40 Country Hope families for a weekend packed with aviation, activities and some good old-fashioned Temora hospitality. The Country Hope Aviation Weekend has been run biannually by Temora Flyers since the organisation's early days and has grown to become one of the most meaningful events on the Flyers' calendar. For three days, the focus is simple: give children and families who spend far too much of their lives dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses an opportunity to get away, have some fun and make memories together. Temora Flyers Secretary Rob Matthews said there was something particularly special about the weekend. "A lot of these families spend an enormous amount of time travelling to appointments, sitting in hospitals and dealing with things that most families never have to think about," Mr Matthews said. "For one weekend, we want them to come to Temora and forget about as much of that as possible. "We want the biggest problem for the kids to be deciding whether they want to go flying, climb over a fire truck, build something, jump on a simulator or sit around the campfire." Flying will naturally be one of the highlights, with volunteer pilots taking children and family members airborne over the Temora district. The flights are made possible by pilots who continue to donate their time, aircraft and operating costs to the program. Mr Matthews said that generosity was representative of what had made Temora Flyers successful. "Our pilots turn up year after year and put their hands in their own pockets to make these experiences happen," he said. "Some travel significant distances just to be here. That's the culture we've been lucky enough to build within Temora Flyers. "We have members right across Australia, and people genuinely want to be part of what we're doing." Once back on the ground, there won't be much time for sitting around. The 2026 program is packed with entertainment and activities across the entire weekend. Sam Jordan from KidzHit will have the kids up and moving, while Canola Kids will deliver craft activities. Members of Thanowring Rural Fire Brigade will roll in with their fire trucks and give children a chance to explore the equipment, while Sam Richards from TFI Tech will introduce them to some hands-on aircraft building skills. Families will also be treated to a tour of the Temora Aviation Museum, experience aviation simulators and enjoy campfires, movie nights and plenty of other activities throughout the weekend. "It's absolutely jam-packed," Mr Matthews said. "We want families to go home exhausted for all the right reasons. "Temora has an incredible amount to offer and we're looking forward to showing these families not just our aviation community, but the hospitality of the entire town." Behind the fun is a significant community effort. Temora Flyers Inc is a not-for-profit organisation, with money raised throughout the year directed back into initiatives including the Country Hope Aviation Weekend and its Youth in Aviation program. As the cost of accommodation, catering, activities and running events continues to rise, the support of businesses, organisations and individuals has become increasingly important. The Flyers have already received strong backing for the 2026 weekend, something the organisation says it is incredibly grateful for. "The reality is that we couldn't do it without the community," Mr Matthews said. "There's now too many people and businesses helping us to properly thank everyone in one article, which is a pretty good problem to have. "We'll make sure everyone who has contributed gets the recognition they deserve after the weekend. "Whether someone gives us their time, provides an activity, donates $50 or contributes thousands of dollars, it all comes together to make the weekend happen." With the families due to arrive in just a few weeks, Temora Flyers is making one final push to secure the remaining funds required for the weekend. Local businesses, community groups and individuals who would like to contribute are encouraged to contact the organisation. Mr Matthews said even relatively small contributions can make a difference when combined with the support of the wider community. "We're not a big organisation with a huge bank balance. We're a group of volunteers who have some pretty ambitious ideas about what aviation can do for our community. "Programs like this are where every dollar we raise goes back to work. "If someone has been thinking about supporting the weekend, now is the time to get in touch." When the first families arrive on Friday, 9 October, months of planning will finally come together. By Sunday, there will hopefully be plenty of tired kids, exhausted volunteers and aircraft that have clocked up a few extra hours. But there should also be something far more important. For one weekend, families whose lives can revolve around illness will have the opportunity to make memories that have absolutely nothing to do with it. Want to help? Temora Flyers is still seeking financial support for the 2026 Country Hope Aviation Weekend. Email: temoraflyers@gmail.com Contact: Rob Matthews — 0478 950 002
