Building on the success of its inaugural event, Longreach hosted the second annual Flyer’s Ball on Saturday night.
The black tie evening, which raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Longreach Hospital Auxiliary, was a sell-out, bringing a sea of happy faces from all around the west.
Some of them were wearing sequinned and satin dresses donated by the Dresses for the Drought initiative, and all 300 danced the night away to Mareeba-born country music artist, Jade Holland, who recently supported Adam Brand on his 20 year anniversary greatest hits tour.
Thanking the attendees for their generosity, president Stella Batt said that last year’s funds help put 17 new televisions in rooms for patients at the Longreach Hospital, as well as supporting the RFDS.
Director of the RFDS Queensland section, Russell Postle, said they were all about growing the fleet and growing the service.
“You being here tonight is helping that,” he said.
Charleville-based flight nurse, Courtney Bylett, was the evening’s guest speaker and shared some of the experiences she’s had, highlighting the essential nature of their work.
She emphasised that mental wellbeing was a crucial part of their work, and that increasing numbers of tourists were part of their workload.
Meg Delahunty was named the belle of the ball, while Will Saunders was the beau, and Mick and Derek of Orlandos Fruits were the couple of the ball.