Little Wings charity at Bankstown gifted $300,000 to upgrade aircraft

Little Wings’ dream of a new aircraft will soon come true thanks to a $300,000 donation. It will enable the charity to fly more regional sick children to Bankstown.

Pilot James Groves with co-pilot and Little Wings passenger Libby Buczko, 3, will soon be flying in a twin-engine Baron after a generous $300,000 donation. Picture: Craig Wilson

• Dick Smith holds wake at Bankstown Airport
• Passenger flights at Bankstown Airport

LITTLE Wings’ dream of a new aircraft will soon take flight, thanks to a $300,000 donation.

The charity service has flown sick rural children back and forth from Bankstown Airport since 2012 in a single-engine Piper Malibu.

But the aircraft will soon be upgraded to a twin-engine Baron, after Commonwealth Bank staff generously donated $300,000 out of their own pockets.

Managing director of Little Wings, Richelle Koller says the donation will help the charity expand its operations. Picture: Craig Kelly

Little Wings managing director Richelle Koller said the Baron would make their service much smoother.

“The Barons are a much more common aircraft. They are much more efficient and easier to maintain so it will be much more suited to our operation,” Ms Koller said.

“This support from Commonwealth Bank will enable us to grow and expand our operations to fly more children and their families.”

On average, Little Wings makes 400 trips a year, flying 60 families as far as Walgett and Lismore.

For the Buczko family, who are from Wauchope, a four and a half-hour drive from Sydney, the service has been invaluable.

Steve and Kate Buczko, with Libby. Picture: Craig Wilson

Last year, three-year-old Libby Buczko was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma — an aggressive form of liver cancer.

Since December she has flown four times with Little Wings. Mum Kate said it’s been both a practical and emotional support.

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“It’s one of those invisible things that until you’re a family with a child with cancer, you don’t even know it exists,” Mrs Buczko said.

“But then when you need it, it’s there and it’s so important.”