– Angela Stevenson
A bleak and miserable day in Ballina turned noisy for around eight minutes last Saturday as Matt Hall performed riverside over the RSL as part of an event to raise funds for the flood-devastated Lismore-based Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC).
After rain almost the entire day, the hundreds-strong crowd and entire Ballina riverfront community were left awed as a decent break in the weather passed over, the low cloud amplifying the roar of the MXS’ engine during the display.
An animated Hall later took to the RSL stage with a keynote speech, a Q&A session, and assisted with the auctioning of flights donated by Byron Air Adventures and Royal Newcastle Aero Club. After the event, hundreds lined up to meet Hall personally and take advantage of the photo opportunity.
Nathan Parker, Senior Flight Instructor at NRAC, thanked Matt Hall Racing and QBE for supporting Hall's participation, and Ballina RSL for providing the room, equipment hire, and for their cash donation. During the event it was announced that the Ballina Aero Club had dipped into its coffers, with a generous $3000 cash donation.
The event raised nearly $25,000 through ticket sales, donations on the day, a GoFundMe page, and the auctioned flights. Parker, on behalf of the aero club, thanked all the attendees, stating that all funds raised were to be used in the rebuilding of the club and its facilities.
The NRAC GoFundMe page is still open and taking donations.