What’s happening?
The 2025 Old Station Air Show has proven it’s more than just a spectacle in the sky. Hosted at The Old Station, this year’s event attracted more than 11,000 visitors and delivered an impressive $150,000 in funds directly to 14 community groups and charities across Central Queensland.
The two-day event, which ran on the passion of more than 400 volunteers, was described by organisers and recipients alike as a celebration of community spirit, aviation and meaningful giving.
Why it matters
These funds are already helping to drive critical services and projects across the region. The beneficiaries include school P&Cs, emergency services, service clubs and rescue charities. From new school resources to life-saving upgrades for SES units, the impact is widespread.
“For us, it’s not just about helping the community,” said organiser Daniel Tidd. “It’s about helping the people who help the community. It becomes a bigger thing.”
Rotary Club of Gladstone’s Neville Hughes echoed that sentiment. “Every cent of what we raised has gone back into the community. That’s the kind of contribution that Ron and Helen Creed have helped create,” he said.
By the numbers:
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$150,000 raised and distributed to 14 community groups and charities across Central Queensland
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11,000 attendees, 1,100 campsites, and up to 500 aircraft featured during the event
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Over 400 volunteers contributed more than 600 man hours over the weekend
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One volunteer, Dale, collected 27,000 cans and bottles, raising an additional $2,700 for CapRescue
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Rotary Club’s standard Bunnings BBQ raises around $3,000, putting this year’s efforts in clear perspective
Zoom In
This year’s event marked a heartfelt moment for Ron and Helen Creed, long-time supporters and key figures behind the airshow. They were surprised with the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow recognition, an honour awarded to those who’ve made a significant contribution to the community.
“Helen was emotional. She cried. That shows me they never did this expecting recognition,” said Hughes.
The airshow has deep ties to emergency services. One of the earliest fundraisers helped establish the CapRescue service, making this year’s $20,000 donation especially symbolic. Sharon Truelson, who accepted the cheque on behalf of CapRescue, added, “The Creed family has been massive supporters of the rescue helicopter. This donation means a lot.”
Dale’s personal fundraising efforts through container recycling became an unexpected highlight. By collecting 27,000 recyclable cans and bottles over the weekend, he added $2,700 to the CapRescue donation.
Another recipient, Francis Moynihan of the Mt Larcom SES, said the funds would go toward much-needed equipment upgrades. Volunteers from Rosedale, Gracemere and Rockhampton also joined in to support the SES team. “It’s good to be recognised today. We don’t always get the credit our volunteers deserve,” Moynihan said.
Zoom Out
Organising the event took more than a year. Planning began in January 2024, and many volunteers took weeks off work to prepare.
“I took five weeks off this time,” said Daniel Tidd. “And I’ll probably book two months off for the next one.”
He credited the tireless efforts of volunteer groups who helped with everything from car parking and crowd safety to flipping burgers and checking on campgrounds.
Young locals were also part of the effort. One standout was a young volunteer responsible for campsite checks, a job that used to be Daniel’s in earlier years. “He does a remarkable job and now even runs a small crew,” Tidd said.
The airshow provided visitors with rare access to aircraft like the C-17, Trojan and Mustang. Tidd noted, “You can’t go anywhere else, even in the world, and talk to pilots and walk around aircraft like this. It’s unique.”
Local Impact
The funds raised were distributed among a wide range of local beneficiaries:
Community Groups:
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Whitsundays Australian Air Force Cadets – 110 Squadron
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The Historical Motor Cycle Club of Queensland- Gladstone Branch
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Bajool State School P&C
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Raglan Rural Fire Brigade
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Sport Aircraft Association of Australia
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Mt Larcom and Calliope Police Services
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Yarwun State School P&C
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Ambrose State School P&C
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Raglan Target Sports Association
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State Emergency Services (SES)
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Mt Larcom QCWA
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Rotary Club of Gladstone
Charities:
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Royal Flying Doctor Service
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Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CapRescue)
These groups serve, educate and protect communities across the region. Thanks to the airshow, they’ll be better equipped to continue their work.
What to look for next?
Organisers have already confirmed the next event will take place on 27 and 28 May 2028. While the wait may be long, planning is already underway.
“Volunteers are always welcome,” said Tidd. “We’re calling on local groups now. There’s always something to do, from helping park planes to keeping generators going.”
As for the legacy of the 2025 event, it’s not just about dollars raised or aircraft displayed. It’s about what happened on the ground, connections formed, efforts recognised, and the whole region coming together to do something good.
