Sick kids get a boost from uplifting visit from Townsville’s air regiment

Sick children and their families got to experience a ‘once in a lifetime’ moment, courtesy of Townsville’s 5th Aviation regiment.

CHILDREN receiving care at Townsville University Hospital have been given a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to soar above the city thanks to a little help from the 5th Aviation regiment.

The children were taken up in the air by Corporal Matthew Nebauer in a Leonardo AW139 on loan from Helicorp as part of Exercise Care Bear.

It’s the first such exercise to be held since Covid put a stop to the program, with Corporal Nebauer saying it was worth the wait.

Hospital Foundation

“Some of these families have only been in a helicopter for emergencies, so it’s such a

pleasure to see the smiles on the patients faces and one little girl was so excited she was

jumping up and down, and that was enough to say it was worth the visit,” Cpl. Nebauer said.

“Last year we landed so the kids could explore the helicopter on the ground, but this year we

are pleased to offer flights for these patients and their loved ones.”

Soldiers from the 5th Aviation will be carrying out more hospital visits in the coming months, now that they’re able to provide the full suite of opportunities for sick kids and their families.

Brighter Lives CEO Tanya Busoli said families had travelled from far and wide to receive care at the hospital, and the flights were a good way to take their mind off current troubles.

“There is a family from Viola Station in Julia Creek who have been receiving care for little

Olivia since her birth and she has only known flights in helicopters for emergencies. This will

give her and her family happy memories of flying in a helicopter,” Ms Busoli said.

Hospital Foundation

“These families aren’t having the best of times with their loved ones being in hospital and

allowing these patients to come and actually fly over Townsville and experience flying in a

helicopter is something they will never forget.”

For 3-year-old Olivia, getting to fly up alongside her siblings was an experience worth the travel-time involved, according to her mother Ingrid Matthews.

“She had an absolute ball, her and all her siblings did. It’s really good to give them a chance. It was great for all of them to go up together in a helicopter, especially while she’s well,” Ms Matthews said.

Originally published as Sick kids get a boost from uplifting visit from Townsville’s air regiment