UPPER YARRA STAR MAIL
Home » Mail » Every child can fly

Every child can fly



Since 2007, hundreds of pilots from aero clubs across the country take to the sky to give sick and underprivileged children the ride of a lifetime.

On Sunday 28 October pilots from Lilydale Flying Club will be airborne and putting smiles on the faces of kids who face a range of challenges on the ground.

FunFlight has taken more than 9,000 children for a flight in a light aircraft and the registered charity’s vision is that ‘every child can fly’.

“The idea is to give the whole family a fun day of flying that takes their minds off their daily challenges,” said David Loccisano of FunFlight. “For a lot of them this will be their first in an aeroplane.”

FunFlight founder, Michael Verheem said that there are few days like this. “It is truly amazing that everyone gives their time and effort freely and we can help bring such happiness to children who really need it,” he said.

“The look on the faces of the children as they board the plane is heart-warming and when they touch down they just can’t stop smiling.”

“The day wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of volunteer pilots, aero clubs, aviation organisations and sponsors. We have big dreams – we would like to double the number of children we reach if we had the capacity,” he said.

Families that would like to be involved need to contact a local participating charity who can help find a nearby FunFlight event. All the details about that process and the day are at www.funflight.org

Digital Editions


More News

  • Free family fun at Wandin

    Free family fun at Wandin

    The Rotary Club of Wandin’s Free Family Fun Day is on again this year, promising a day full of exciting activities free of charge. It takes place at the Wandin…

  • Alvey the Osprey enjoying summer swims after recovery

    Alvey the Osprey enjoying summer swims after recovery

    Alvey the Osprey has been enjoying a summer swim after a stint at Healesville Sanctuary’s Raptor Rehabilitation Centre. The impressive fishing hawk has been spreading his wings in the custom-designed…

  • CFA encourages residents to conduct ‘After Action Review’

    CFA encourages residents to conduct ‘After Action Review’

    The Seville CFA has encouraged locals to conduct an After Action Review (AAR) after a close call with a bushfire on Friday 9 January. An AAR is an opportunity to…

  • Carpet bowls at Badger Creek Community Hall

    Carpet bowls at Badger Creek Community Hall

    Badger Creek Community Hall is hosting a friendly indoor carpet bowls night on Friday 23 January. Indoor bowls is easy to learn, great for your health and gentle on the…

  • Bushfire recovery payments available

    Bushfire recovery payments available

    The State and Federal Governments are delivering further support to Victorians affected by the devastating fires, helping communities begin the long road to recovery. A new $15 million recovery package…

  • Sanders back on top after stage eight

    Sanders back on top after stage eight

    The Yarra Ranges rally-raid legend Daniel “Chucky” Sanders reclaimed the top spot overall after a brilliant performance in stage eight of the 2026 Dakar Rally. He finished in second position…

  • Parks Victoria reopens local parks as fire-affected regions remain closed

    Parks Victoria reopens local parks as fire-affected regions remain closed

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 225907 As bushfires continue to burn across parts of Victoria, many popular parks are closed due to ongoing fire activity and may remain closed…

  • Shop locat at Millgrove Market this Saturday

    Shop locat at Millgrove Market this Saturday

    The Millgrove Residents Action Group’s popular Millgrove Market is on this Saturday, 17 January. It is located next to the Wesburn-Millgrove CFA and goes from 9am-2pm.

  • ADRA handing out free food

    ADRA handing out free food

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 335755 The Redwood ADRA Community Care Centre has free fruit and vegetables on offer for the community today, 13 January. Locals in need can…

  • Sanders trails by 10 seconds after Dakar stage eight

    Sanders trails by 10 seconds after Dakar stage eight

    Stage eight of the 2026 Dakar Rally saw Daniel “Chucky” Sanders knocked from the lead by Argentinian Luciano Benavides. After recovering lost ground in stage seven, the Yarra Ranges local…