One lucky local has won the chance to go behind the scenes at Longreach Airport after participating in a fundraising drive to help victims of the recent Australian bushfires.

Bruce McClymont was given the rare opportunity after winning top prize in a Longreach Airport fundraising raffle aimed at supporting victims of the recent bushfire disaster in the southern states.

All funds collected by the team have been pooled with money raised by their colleagues at Mount Isa, Townsville and Gold Coast airports – and matched by parent company Queensland Airports Limited.

A total of $18,400 will be split between QAL’s two chosen beneficiaries, WIRES and the Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund.

Longreach Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill thanked the community for their support and congratulated the airport team on their contribution to helping bushfire victims with the raffle and other initiatives.

“We thank everyone who participated in or contributed to our fundraising efforts,” he said.

“Our thoughts remain with the victims of the bushfires as they begin the long road to recovery and hope our small contribution can help them on the way.”

Mr McClymont said he “thoroughly enjoyed” his visit to the airport, joining aerodrome reporting officer Ken Stephenson on his inspection rounds.

He was able to watch aircraft land and take-off from the airstrip – a rare opportunity for most people.

“We got to drive around and see how the lighting control systems used for landing work, we went through the baggage control areas and got a good look at what goes on behind the scenes,” Mr McClymont said.

“It was a most enjoyable day.”

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