Coffs Harbour competitors in Outback Air Race Coffs help raise a record $1m for RFDS

TWO Coffs Harbour teams have returned from the Outback Air Race 2025 (OAR) after helping the event raise a record $1 million for the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS).

Rather than a speed race, the OAR is a time and accuracy trial.

Local teams “Show Me The Mooney!” with pilot Tim Alexander and navigator Marguerite Alexander, and “Hot Termalis” with Julie Jardine and Michael Basa, were among 38 teams competing – all united in their support of the RFDS.

One hundred people flew in from all parts of Australia to meet at Uluru for the start, setting off from Yulara, NT, on 22 August.

After 15 days in the air, covering 3800km and 10 outback airstrips, the finishers completed the “race” in Carnarvon, WA, on 8 September.

“Our 1966 model Mooney did us proud, and we managed to win two race legs (races 3 and 5) and come overall 8th in the event,” Mr Alexander told News Of The Area.

“Most satisfying though was our team raising just under $12,000 for the RFDS with the help of friends, family, and organisations in Coffs Harbour and surrounds, well exceeding our fundraising target of $10,000.

“We flew over spectacular scenery, encompassing deserts, the Kimberleys, the north-west archipelagos and West Australian coastline [and] enjoyed the camaraderie among fellow pilots and met people in the local communities.”

Between race legs they had free days to explore on land and sea.

At many of their race destinations they noticed a Royal Flying Doctor aircraft in service, “attending to locals with medical needs, serving as a lifeline for them at a time of great need”.

The competition was very tight this year.

Hot Termalis won the first leg from Uluru to Alice Springs.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to hold the position, everyone wanted to win, but we managed a couple of third places, a couple of bad places and ended up fifth overall,” Ms Jardine said.

“The goal however was to raise much needed funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and [overall] we achieved a whopping $1 million dollars raised.

“Flying down the Coral Coast of WA was an amazing experience with beautiful coral beaches.

“The teams were amazing throughout the race with a mayday call, a flu outbreak through the competitors, which grounded some teams who had to catch up once they were better, a great bush poetry night, Alien Dress-Up night, and mixing with all the locals in tiny towns that were transformed once 38 planes arrived.”

Both teams give a heartfelt thanks to all friends, supporters, and organisations in Coffs Harbour and further afield for generously donating to the RFDS.

Both Coffs Harbour teams are looking forward to participating in the 2028 Outback Air Race which will celebrate the RFDS Centenary.

By Andrea FERRARI