Tenterfield’s strong community spirit was on full display at the Fire-Fly Fete, with almost 3,000 people gathering at the aerodrome on Saturday, 9 May, for a day celebrating aviation, emergency preparedness and local pride.
Families, visitors and aviation enthusiasts flocked to the event under clear skies, with close to 75 aircraft flying into Tenterfield Aerodrome throughout the day.
The fete featured live music, food and market stalls, helicopter joy flights and classic cars, creating a festival atmosphere that kept crowds entertained from morning to afternoon.
A major highlight was the opening of the new Disaster Readiness Facility by Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, marking another step in the aerodrome’s growing role as a strategic emergency response hub for the region.
Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome (FOTA) president Rob Evans said the turnout reflected the community’s strong support for the facility and its future.
“It was fantastic to see so many Tenterfield residents and visitors come together for the day,” he said.
Evans said the event was designed to help people better understand the importance of the aerodrome and the work being done to expand its capabilities.
Formed in 2023, FOTA secured a long-term lease over the airfield and has since worked with volunteers and community supporters to develop the site into a multipurpose aerial base.
The aerodrome now supports a range of services, including CareFlight, medical evacuation operations and general aviation activities, while also strengthening firefighting and emergency response capacity across Tenterfield Shire and nearby cross-border communities.
For many attendees, however, the day was simply about enjoying time together and celebrating the region.
Community feedback following the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with one young visitor summing up the mood perfectly: “Best Day Ever!”
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