The gutsy effort of a small yet powerful community in the Maranoa resulted in the handover of a $23,000 cheque to Careflight on Tuesday.
Much loved and well respected helicopter pilot Jeff “Red” Dean died when his helicopter crashed after a day mustering north of Mitchell in May 2015.
Mr Dean’s accident sparked the Bymount community’s family fun day in tribute to Red, while also raising crucial funds for Careflight.
Held in February, the Red Day attracted widespread support from across the Maranoa for dingo trap throwing, beer relays and ski races on a day labelled a “beautiful day for a beautiful man.”
Mr Dean’s brother, Wayne Dean, Merino Downs, Surat, said it was fitting a group of his family’s closest friends had banded together to raise money for an organisation close to Red’s heart.
“A pilot himself Red knew how important it was to get to those remote locations quickly and without drama,” he said.
“Red was always a lover of cattle and horses and he was probably more of a cattleman than most mustering pilots, which is why he excelled at what he did.
“He’d flown a few people that got hurt to hospital or to meet ambulances so he understood a rescue helicopter’s importance- they are critical to saving lives in our part of the world.”
Wayne Dean said his family had been overwhelmed by the support from the local community and were thrilled to be able to contribute such a sum of money to a worthy cause.
“Careflight were ecstatic and none of us could believe such a small community could raise so much,” he said.
“They’re just average, everyday people but aside from that, they’re a tight knit little bunch that get things done.
“From a family point of view we can’t thank everyone enough. In light of what’s happened they’ve made this process so much easier and we’ve made lifelong friends who are now like family.”
With the success of this year’s Red Day fresh in the minds of those nearest to the cause, the possibility of a repeat next year has locals committed to producing even more rewarding results.
