Saturday June 10 saw the small town of Rolleston, in Central Queensland, abuzz with activity, raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the Rolleston Medical Centre.
It started as just an idea and after months of planning, Rolleston locals, Nick McDonald, Madeleine Carter, Nathan and Rebecca Blackburn, Heather and Hayden Jones and Greg Crust were able to pull off a fantastic weekend that celebrated all sorts of flying machines as well as vintage cars and country rugby.
Air control commenced at 7am when planes started arriving. They joined vintage and new planes on the ground. Nearby the wheels display was growing with vintage cars, hot rods and other interesting vehicles on show.
Entry was free and guests were able to enjoy novelty stalls, food, bar and live entertainment. Patrons could buy helicopter rides, plane rides and sky dives.
They could also wander among the planes and cars speaking to the owners.
A major highlight was the private collection of Rolleston locals, Ross and Peggy Smith, including their Lockhead Electra Junior, known as the 'Silver City.’
Graziers got together to take part in an interesting talk and demonstration on drones in agriculture and how they could assist the farming community.
Myles Bretkreutz, from the Thangool Aeroclub also brought pilots up to date with new laws for light aircraft.
Closer to the ground, children joined in paper aeroplane competitions, face painting, jumping castles and mechanical bull rides, all offered free to the kids having been donated by a group of local businesses and graziers.
As the day wore on, an auction was held and raffles drawn. All items were donated by various businesses from Central Queensland as well as the unique experience of a Boeing 777 Simulator Session in Brisbane, kindly supported by Virgin Australia.
Sam McDonald, Albeni, Springsure, generously sacrificed his beard and mullet to the RFDS. Over $2500 was made. Paul Keys paid $50 for the honour of doing the deed.
A rugby match between Rolleston Roos and Blackwater started in a spectacular way with the ball being delivered via parachute by the team at Capricorn Skydivers.
The food was also a highlight with 2 the T Catering putting on a spectacular dinner.
Live music from The Apple Cider Band rounded off an extraordinary day.
‘Wings, Wheels and Rugby’ was a mighty effort for a small community raising money for two very worthy causes.
