Kids have a blast at RAAF day

Eli, Spencer and Emerson Aldridge try out the heavy machinery at the RAAF Base Amberley Family Fun Day on Sunday.

Rob Williams

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Family Fun Day at RAAF Base Amberley

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A FUN-FILLED day out at the Amberley RAAF Base put smiles on the faces of sick and disadvantaged children yesterday.

The RAAF event was at full capacity, with more than 500 special visitors keen to to climb over and explore aircraft, enjoy demonstrations from the RAAF dogs and a Panther fire engine, and generally make the most of the special day.

The family fun day, hosted by Number 36 Squadron, was one of many held as part of National FunFlight day, which treats more than 1500 children and their families to a range of aviation-related activities.

Number 36 Squadron Flight Lieutenant Robert Krupinski said the day was a great success.

"There was so much for the kids to do, but I'd say the new puppies we've bred were the biggest hit," Flt Lt Krupinski said.

"We're committed to trying to get out there and help out in the community, and this was a way for us to help out kids who have gone through a lot of tough times for their age, and their families.

"It's a chance for us to put a smile on their faces."

FunFlight founder Michel Verheem said the day was a special event for affected families.

"It's so important for these children to be able to go out and have fun and have a break from thinking about hospital trips and that sort of thing," Mr Verheem said.

"The day is an opportunity for families to have fun."