2025 Outback Race and Comanche Flyers Soirée

If you joined us at the 2025 Comanche Flyers Soirée or supported Wal and Tom on their big Outback Air Race adventure – this one’s for you. We’ve been flat out this year (hoses don’t fix themselves), but this was a moment worth pausing for. Because together, we didn’t just throw a great party, we helped fund something that will save lives right here in Emerald.

2025 Outback Air Race

Our resident plane buff, Wal McDowall and his good mate Tom “SKIDOO” Staines, took to the skies once again for this year’s Outback Air Race, proudly flying as team Comanche Flyers in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). 

This year, it kicked off on August 22 from Uluru and wrapped up in Carnarvon, WA on September 8. 

Where the funds are going  

This year, every dollar raised went toward building the Emerald RFDS Patient Transfer Hub. A dedicated space at the airport that will: 

• Shelter patients during aircraft transfers
• Store vital RFDS gear securely 
• Give medical crews a proper place to rest between flight 

The Comanche Flyers Soirée

To back the flyers and the fund, we brought back the black-tie and fur soirée and it was a hit again this year. $100 from every ticket went straight to the Comanche Flyers’ fundraising total.   

We had locals (and a few who travelled in) scrubbing up in their finest. Drinks were flowing, fire pits were glowing, and Roslyn Horsfall filled the night with fantastic music. 

There was plenty of bar banter, top-shelf cocktails courtesy of Ange, dancing on the lawn, and a room full of generous people ready to chip in for a great cause. 

A giant Billecart-Salmon Champagne made a surprise appearance, the live auction was a roaring success and all the limited edition pins and stubby coolers sold out.  

And yes… a few of us needed Berocca and a bacon roll the next morning. 

The Result 

• $74,331 raised (goal was $50K – nailed it!) 
• 2nd place in fundraising 
• 3rd place in the outback air race

A very big thank you 

• Pete and Netty – for opening up their beautiful home (again!) 
• Elegant Decor – Emerald Party Hire
• Auction Extraordinaire – Matt Beard
• Music – Roslyn Horsfall
• Cocktails – Ange Sutherland (Maraboon Vet Surgery)
• Catering – Like Mum Used To Make
• Emerald Rotary – Derek Mayne
• Champagne – Gray Street Veterinary Clinic

And to the Commache’s committee, volunteers and behind-the-scenes helpers who pitched in.